Review: A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at Theaterleague

I was pretty excited to see this show, I do not usually look anything up about a show if I do not know a whole lot about it; I like to go in completely blind. But a minute into this show I started to panic, I knew nothing about Janis Joplin. I guess I should have known from the title what I was in for, but I expected it to be a play where I would learn about her (a la Jersey Boys style), but this was a rock concert, so I started to feel like I would not be able to do a good job reviewing this show. I mean I'm a 90's baby. The first album I ever bought was a two-disc compilation of Britney Spears and 'N SYNC songs, followed by Spiceworld. So what would I know about a 60's rock and roll singer with a love for the blues?

But through each song and story the audience was told, we got to know the Port Arthur, Texas, native and through Mary Bridget Davies, the audience got to see Joplin reincarnated. The Kansas City native became Joplin in every way. After comparing the audience's reactions and videos of live recordings, Davies has not only mastered the husky growl to Joplin's voice, but has her mannerisms down to a tee. From the way she walked to the way she held the microphone, the audience members next to me kept whispering, "It's her."

The rest of the audience must have felt that too because standing ovations would happen after almost every song. As mentioned earlier, this is not your typical Broadway play. This is a rock concert! We hear some snippets about Joplin's life after each song; from her early days cleaning the house to her mother's favorite Broadway cast recordings, to the women who influenced her. Speaking of which, the women who influenced her (Nina Simone, Etta James, Chantel, Odetta, Bessie Smith and even Aretha Franklin played by Q. Smith, Tawny Dolley, and Cicily Daniels respectively) would come out on stage to sing their version of their songs, and then to compare Joplin would sing her take on them. The result was an honest representation of Joplin's creativity, and man, can those women belt.

The show did have its issues: at two and a half hours, it was about half an hour too long, and in the first act there seemed to be sound issues, but those were quickly resolved and Davies' stage presence was enough to make you not even notice some of the issues.

A note to future audiences: When you come (when, not if) get a little rowdy! This is supposed to be a concert, so give Davies the same interaction you would give Joplin. Clap during the songs, get up and dance when she tells you to, react to what she says. It will transform your experience. Plus, if you don't, Aretha Franklin will get it out of you herself.

A Night with Janis Joplin runs through Sunday, March 27th at Kauffmann Center for Performing Arts. For tickets go to http://theaterleague.com/kansascity/night-with-janis-joplin/ or call (816) 994- 7222.

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