‘A Night With Janis Joplin’ fails to capture singer’s heart, soul

NEW YORK — A Night With Janis Joplin, finishing up its Broadway run Sunday, Feb. 9, is a middling attempt to recreate the fire of a live Janis Joplin concert. Although Mary Bridget Davies looks and sounds the part, she’s not given a manageable show for this resurrection act. The two-act musical runs too long (by about 45 minutes), and Randy Johnson’s paltry book is a hodgepodge of cliches and empty musings about the power of music and the blues. A 90-minute hits parade would have been better than listening to a bloated karaoke act.

The two-tiered set offers plenty of theatrics for the many show-stopping numbers. Davies is able to run from left to right, and up and down the staircase with verve, constantly trying to motivate the audience. Her voice, a bluesy original, curls around the recognizable lyrics of “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart” and other classics with ease. In between the songs is where her acting chops fall short. Davies looks at the audience members and questions them about their love of music and the many great female singers who influenced Joplin. Every time a blues or soul singer’s name is referenced (Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith, Odetta, Etta James, Nina Simone), Davies calls out to the crowd to get them to clap. This constant beck-and-call grows old and makes the entire show feel somewhat fake.

The four singers who surround Joplin throughout the night — including NaTasha Yvette Williams, Nikki Kimbrough, de’Adre Aziza and Taprena Michelle Augustine — play these musical influences. Williams belts out as Franklin, while Aziza does her best Simone. Having these women represented in the show is a solid decision by Johnson, who also directed the two-hour-20-minute musical. Joplin sharing the spotlight and giving credence to her past makes sense. However, the singers are still subject to the never-ending need to get the audience clapping, standing and dancing. Musical instigation at concerts can work, but on Broadway these type of manufactured standing ovations feel pushy, further evidence of the Vegas-ization of the Great White Way.

This is not to take away from Davies’ memorable voice and obvious talents. She’s the right person for the part, and she can send chills when singing these songs. Joplin’s voice is not similar to a Broadway belter; it’s rough around the edges, squeaky and wholly original. Within the notes, within the swigs of alcohol, within the tapping feet, there’s undeniable identity and an American spirit. Davies, to her credit, captures that image. But A Night With Janis Joplin is unable to build a show around this star turn.

When the musical touches upon Joplin’s life, there’s a lot of information missing. We learn about her family upbringing and love for playing records at a young age, but there’s nothing about Woodstock, drug use, feminism and the social movements throughout the 1960s.

The band members sit on stage and offer spirited accompaniment, although it can be difficult to appreciate their efforts because of the blaring amplification and dizzying lights display. I would have preferred a simpler night with Davies at a solitary microphone. Give us the songs, just the songs.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• A Night With Janis Joplin

• Written and directed by Randy Johnson

• Starring Mary Bridget Davies (Kacee Clanton at certain performances), NaTasha Yvette Williams, Nikki Kimbrough, de’Adre Aziza and Taprena Michelle Augustine

• Running time: 140 minutes with a 15-minute intermission

• Currently playing the Lyceum Theatre at 149 W. 45th St. in New York City. Click here for more information.

• Rating: