ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Opens 5/6 at Milwaukee Rep

With a voice like whiskey and a laugh like pure joy, Janis Joplin took the music scene by storm. Simultaneously rough and vulnerable, Joplin was dubbed the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, proving music wasn't just a man's world anymore. Now, in a new musical event featuring more than a dozen singers and band members, playwright-director Randy Johnson creates "a compelling portrait of an artist" (Culturemob) through the words, inspiration and music of one of America's greatest rock 'n' roll originals. One Night With Janis Joplin is a full-on concert experience and musical journey into the life and inspirations of one of rock 'n' roll's greatest legends and it runs in The Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse from May 3 - June 2, 2013 and opens on Monday, May 6, 2013. Packed with classic songs ("Piece Of My Heart," "Summertime," "Mercedes Benz"), One Night With Janis Joplin also shines the spotlight on trailblazers who influenced Janis - like Bessie Smith, Etta James and Aretha Franklin.

This production will feature Mary Bridget Davies in the iconic role of Janice Joplin. Davies has wowed audiences across the country with her energetic, dynamic performance. The talented cast also features Sabrina Elayne Carten, Alison Cusano, Shay Saint-Victor and Kimberly Yarbrough. A band will accompany the cast on stage and includes: Ross Seligman, Stephen Flakus, Patrick Harry, Tyler Evans, Mitch Wilson, Blair Bielawski, Greg Garcia and Brett Murphey.

One Night With Janis Joplin is produced at Milwaukee Repertory Theater in association with Todd Gershwin and Daniel Chilewich of One Night Productions, LLC, the Estate of Janis Joplin and Jeff Jampol of JAM, Inc. Additional producers for this production are Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, Cleveland Play House and Pasadena Playhouse. The Milwaukee run of One Night With Janis Joplin is sponsored in part by BMO Harris Private Bank.

"Having lived in Milwaukee for three years now, I have quickly learned that this city certainly knows how to make the most of its all too short summers," said Artistic Director Mark Clements. "In addition to the numerous great outdoor and lakefront activities, Milwaukee's celebrated music scene hosts Summerfest, the world's largest music festival for two gloriously packed weeks in June and July. So what better way to really get people in the mood for this great local event, than by sharing with Milwaukee a rock performance extraordinaire that has been taking the country by storm recently? One Night With Janis Joplin will celebrate the music of legendary rock icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artist, Janis Joplin, right on The Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse stage this spring."