The title is both accurate and misleading. On one hand, A Night with Janis Joplin, at the Peacock Theatre, is a rock-opera/live concert-style tribute that feels like an up-close, personal interview—a talk show Janis might have done, emblazoned on her colourful TV. But on the other hand, it’s not just about Joplin. The show is also a celebration of music as a whole, with nods to other iconic female voices like Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin, and even literary figures like F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It’s as much a tribute to womanhood and female artistry as it is to Joplin herself.
That said, the show does drag in places, especially before the interval. The dialogue sections, which are not always well-written, sometimes go on a bit too long, slowing the pace. The set design, resembling a TV studio with candles and Tiffany lamps, also detracts from the raw, gritty authenticity we associate with Joplin.
Musically, Mary Bridget Davies, who plays Joplin, is absolutely spectacular. She nails Joplin’s signature gestures and belts out classics like “Piece of My Heart” and “Cry Baby” with power and confidence. However, her acting in the speaking sections sometimes feels a bit forced and doesn’t match the energy of her remarkable singing.
These flaws may be overlooked because the entire cast, including the impressively rich live band, makes A Night with Janis Joplin undeniably special and truly unforgettable. Davies, as the lead, is always in character, using both her body and soul to authentically portray the legend of Janis Joplin.
While the show doesn’t delve into the darker aspects of her life—her struggles with addiction and her tragic death—it offers a joyful, celebratory look at the music that inspired Joplin. The magic of theatre allows for an imaginary meeting of legends, with Joplin, Simone, Franklin, Etta James, Bessie Smith, and Odetta all sharing the stage.
Kalisha Amaris, Georgia Bradshaw, and Danielle Steers switch between roles of these icons and those of the Joplinaires, Janis’s ensemble. The incredible female cast not only brings these legends to life but also embodies the spirit of the 60s and 70s with their voices, choreography, and costumes.
A Night with Janis Joplin may be enjoyed by Joplin’s enthusiasts, but first and foremost, it should be appreciated by fans of music as it is a triumphant, if at times one-sided, celebration.
