Janis Joplin Musical Event Takes the Stage This Summer
Posted May 17, 2012 in Press Releases
CLEVELAND, OH (May 15, 2012) — Cleveland Play House will originate a new production of the musical One Night With Janis Joplin based on the musical journey of one of rock ‘n roll’s greatest legends. Produced in partnership with Todd Gershwin and Daniel Chilewich of Premiere Media and Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington D.C., and in association with The Estate of Janis Joplin and Jeff Jampol of JAM, Inc., One Night with Janis Joplin celebrates Joplin’s genius for crafting a unique style of the musical forms she loved. Playwright-director Randy Johnson’s unprecedented access to the Joplin Family archives has enabled him to give audiences a profound immersion in this blues-belting trailblazer’s musical brilliance. One Night with Janis Joplin is packed with dynamic performances, including classic songs such as “Mercedes Benz,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Me and Bobby McGee,” and “Cry Baby,” as well as other materials the rock icon never formally recorded. One Night with Janis Joplin will begin in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare on Friday, July 27 and play through Sunday, August 19, 2012. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 18, 2012 by calling 216-241-6000 or online at www.clevelandplayhouse.com.
“It’s thrilling to produce this new Janis Joplin show and opening it in the city that rocks,”declares CPH Artistic Director Michael Bloom. “We suspect it will be rockin’ in many other cities in the future.”
"Janis built her life through her love of music. To feel her and know her, demands we travel together, exploring singers and styles she absorbed and made her own," proclaims Laura Joplin. “I look forward to being in Cleveland and watching Janis onstage in One Night With Janis Joplin, sharing her musical journey with us."
ABOUT THE PLAY
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. Packed with classic songs (“Piece of My Heart, “Summertime,” “Mercedes Benz”), the show also shines the spotlight on trailblazers who influenced Janis – like Bessie Smith, Etta James and Aretha Franklin. 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, with its celebration of the musical journey of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends, is much more than a mere tribute to the artist. One Night with Janis Joplin reveals the passion and story behind Joplin’s genius for crafting a unique style of the musical forms she loved. With unprecedented access to the Joplin Family archives,One Night with Janis Joplin gives audiences a profound immersion into Janis Joplin’s world. Packed with dynamic performances, legendary songs and material that Janis performed live but never recorded, this is Janis Joplin’s powerful musical journey. To read more about Janis Joplin, visit the official website: www.janisjoplin.com.
After moving to the Arena Stage in Washington D.C. September 28 – November 4, One Night with Janis Joplin will continue its run at regional theatres and performing arts centers across North America through 2014. For inquiries and information regarding future productions and presentation opportunities, please contact Todd Gershwin of Premiere Media at 914.872.4018, or tgershwin@premiere-media.com.
ONE NIGHT Creative Team:
One Night with Janis Joplin was created, written and directed by Randy Johnson. Musical Direction and Arrangements by Len Rhodes. Music Director is Stephen Flakus. Set and Lighting Design by Justin Townsend, Costume Design by Jeff Cone, Projections Design by Darrell Maloney, Sound Design TBD.
Randy Johnson (writer/director) has amassed numerous impressive and diverse credits in his career, that include co-writing and directing; MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH the critically acclaimed one man theatrical event that debuted in April 2012 and will tour the world commencing Fall 2012. He is the director and writer of THE WILDEST! The Music of Louis Prima and Keely Smith. The musical has been published by Samuel French Inc. and is produced by regional theatres nationwide. He directed ELVIS THE CONCERT, which premiered at Radio City Music Hall and has consistently toured arenas all over the world for the past 15 years. It is identified in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the most successful rock tour performed by an artist deceased.” He produced the West Coast premiere of THE NORMAL HEART starring Richard Dreyfus and Kathy Bates; and he is the original producer of ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, the hit show that has played across the U.S. via regional theaters and national tours, as well as a successful Off Broadway run. He also directed Pope Benedict’s most recent appearances and events in New York City. For a full bio and list of credits for Randy Johnson, visit www.randyjohnson1.com.
Janis Joplin: It’s been a landmark year for fans of Janis Joplin’s music. In March, Columbia/Legacy released Live at the Carousel Ballroom 1968, a previously unavailable live concert recording of Big Brother and the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin, recorded June 23, 1968 by legendary soundman Owsley Stanley, a/k/a "Bear.” The San Francisco Chronicle proclaimed, “It’s one of the best live albums of the entire era.” A month later, in April, Columbia/Legacy followed up Carousel with the release of The Pearl Sessions, a definitive two-disc edition of Joplin's multi-platinum final studio album. The set features newly-discovered studio outtakes, live performances and other sonic rarities recorded during Joplin’s final months. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer said, “The between-takes dialog offers fascinating glimpses into Janis as artist and individual… and the outtakes themselves provide a compelling look at the creative process.”
Ticket Information
Regular ticket prices range from $35 to $65, with discounts available for CPH subscribers and groups of ten or more. Tickets are 50% off regular prices for currently enrolledstudents under age 25 with valid ID. For Single Tickets: Call (216) 241-6000, or visitwww.clevelandplayhouse.com. Groups of 10 of more: Call Cosandra Wheeler, (216) 400-7027.
