A Night with Janis Joplin

A Night with Janis Joplin is a musical that includes works of singer-songwriter Janis Joplin (1943–1970). Written and directed by Randy Johnson, the show has toured consistently since 2011, with a forthcoming stint at the Peacock Theatre in London beginning on August 20, 2024.

A Night with Janis Joplin
Original Broadway Playbill
MusicJanis Joplin
BookRandy Johnson
Premiere10 October 2013: Lyceum Theatre. New York City
Productions

The show mounted at Portland Center Stage from May 24 through June 26, 2011 with Cat Stephani in the lead role, before it traveled for stints at The Allen Theatre at the Cleveland Playhouse, the Mead Center for American Theater, Milkwaukee Repertory Theater, and the Arena Stage in Washington, DC in 2012 with Mary Bridget Davies. One review wrote of the opening night that “Davies not only filled in, she transcended, delivering a performance so raw, real and in-the-moment that it brought people to their feet again and again.”

A Night with Janis Joplin officially opened at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway on October 10, 2013 and closed in February, after 140 performances. The show was produced by Todd Gershwin and Daniel Chilewich, in association with The Estate of Janis Joplin and Jeffrey Jampol for JAM, Inc.

The Broadway version garnered a Tony Award Nomination for the lead actress Mary Bridget Davies. Davies, who was born in Cleveland, Ohio, has previously played Joplin in the 2005 production of Love, Janis. She has also toured in Europe with Joplin’s original band, Big Brother and the Holding Company.

Post-Broadway, the show traveled through North America beginning in 2015, touring for seven years and making over 130 stops at cities including Toronto, Ontario, Los Angeles, California, Detroit, Michigan, St. Louis, Missouri, Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia and more.

On August 23, 25 and 26 of 2022, the show traveled to Japan for three days of performances at the Tokyo International Forum Hall for an all-Japanese cast helmed by singer Aina the End playing the lead role of Janis Joplin.

In 2023, it was announced that the hit show would move to the West End for a limited-run at the Peacock Theatre in London from August 20 – September 28, 2024 with Mary Bridget Davies returning to star in the lead role.

Productions
Pre-Broadway
DateCityVenue
May 24 – June 26, 2011Portland, ORPortland Center Stage
July 27 – August 19, 2012Cleveland, OHThe Allen Theatre at the Cleveland Playhouse
September 28 – November 4, 2012Washington DCArena Stage
March 15 – April 21, 2013Los Angeles, CAPasadena Playhouse
May 3 – June 2, 2013Milwaukee, WIMilwaukee Repertory Theater
June 21 – August 11, 2013Washington DCArena Stage (second run in DC)
July 10 – August 25, 2013Austin, TXZach’s Topfer Theatre
September 5 – October 6, 2013San Jose, CASan Jose Repertory Theater
Broadway
DateCityVenue
September 20, 2013 – February 9, 2014New York, NYLyceum Theater (140 shows)
North America Tour
DateCityVenue
July 21 – August 23, 2015Los Angeles, CAPasadena Playhouse (second run)
February 9 - February 21, 2016Toronto, ONPanasonic Theatre
February 23, 2016Hampton, VAThe American Theatre
February 24, 2016Ridgefield, CTThe Ridgefield Playhouse
February 25, 2016Morristown, NJMayo PAC
February 26, 2016New Bedford, MAZeiterion PAC
February 27, 2016Lynn, MAThe Lynn Auditorium
February 28, 2016Red Bank, NJCount Basie Theatre
March 1, 2016Reading, PASantander PAC
March 2, 2016Cleveland, OHPalace Theatre
March 3 - March 4th, 2016Dayton, OHVictoria Theatre
March 5, 2016Detroit, MIFox Theatre
March 6, 2016Milwaukee, WIPabst Theatre
March 7, 2016Cedar Rapids, IAParamount Theatre
March 9, 2016Beaver CreekVilar PAC
March 10 - March 12, 2016Fort Collins, COLincoln Center
March 13, 2016Rapid City, SDRushmore Plaza
March 15, 2016Des Moines, IAHoyt Sherman
March 16, 2016Wichita, KSOrpheum Arena
March 17 - March 18, 2016Fayetteville, ARRiverside Theatre
March 19 - March 20, 2016St. Louis, MOPeabody
March 22 - March 27, 2016Kansas City, MOArvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
March 25 – April 17, 2016Seattle, WA5th Avenue Theatre (Second company)*
March 29 - April 3, 2016St. Paul, MNOrdway Center
April 5 - April 10, 2016Winnipeg, MBBurton Cummings
April 11, 2016Thunder Bay, ONThunder Bay Community Aud.
April 13, 2016Cincinnati, OHAronoff Center
April 14, 2016Durham, NCDPAC
April 15 - April 16, 2016Nashville, TNJames K. Polk Theatre
April 17, 2016Atlanta, GAFox Theatre
April 18, 2016New Orleans, LASaenger Theatre
April 20, 2016Daytona Beach, FLPeabody Auditorium
April 21, 2016Jacksonville, FLFlorida Theatre
April 22, 2016St. Petersburg, FLMahaffey Theatre
April 23, 2016West Palm Beach, FLDreyfoos Hall
April 24 , 2016Charleston, SCGillard Center
July 8 - August 7, 2016Albany, NYCapital Repertory Theatre (The rep)
August 18 - September 10, 2016Abingdon, VABarter Theatre
August 19 - September 18, 2016Houston, TXAlley Theatre
June 7 - July 16, 2017San Francisco, CAAmerican Conservatory Theatre
August 16 - September 10, 2017Laguna Beach, CALaguna Playhouse
October 10 - October 29, 2017Princeton, NJMcCarter Theatre Center
November 3, 2017Orillia, ONCasinorama
November 4, 2017Windsor, ONCasino
November 7, 2017Columbus, OHPalace Theatre
November 8, 2017Louisville, KYBrown Theatre
November 9, 2017Cleveland, OHConor Palace
November 10, 2017Rosemont, ILRosemont Theatre
November 11, 2017Dixon, ILHistoric Dixon Theatre
November 12, 2017Madison, WIOverture Center
November 14, 2017Huntington, WVKeith Albee
November 15, 2017York, PAStrand-Capitol Performing Arts Theatre
November 16, 2017Easton, PAState Theatre
November 17, 2017Derry, NHStockbridge Theatre
November 18, 2017Springfield, MASymphony Hall
November 19, 2017North Bethesda, MDStrathmore Theater
January 8, 2018Sarasota, FLVan Wezel Performing Arts Hall
January 9, 2018The Villages, FLSharon Morse PAC
January 10, 2018St. Petersburg, FLThe Mahaffey
January 13, 2018Ft. Pierce, FLSunrise Theatre
January 14, 2018Ft. Lauderdale, FLParker Playhouse
January 17, 2018Red Bank, NJCount Basie Theatre
January 18, 2018Williamsport, PACommunity Theatre
January 19 - January 20, 2018Boston, MABoch Center
January 23, 2018Fort Worth, TXBass Hall
January 24, 2018San Antonio, TXTobin Center for the Performing Arts
January 25, 2018Orange, TXLutcher Theatre
January 26, 2018Richardson, TXEisemann Center for Performing Arts
January 27, 2018Midland, TXWagner Noel
January 28, 2018Amarillo, TXGlobe News Center
January 30, 2018Mankato, MNVerizon Wireless Center
January 31, 2018Fairfield, IASondheim Center
February 1, 2018Wichita, KSOrpheum
February 2, 2018Colorado Springs, COPikes Peak Center
February 3, 2018Denver, COParamount Theatre
February 6, 2018Tucson, AZFox Theatre
February 7 - February 8, 2018San Diego, CABalboa Theatre
February 9, 2018Indio, CAFantasy Springs Resort
February 11, 2018Portland, ORKeller Auditorium
February 13, 2018Bremerton, WAAdmiral Theatre
February 14, 2018Spokane, WAINB Event Center
February 15, 2018Bellingham, WAMt. Baker Theatre
February 17, 2018Beverly Hills, CASaban Theatre
February 18, 2018Redding, CARedding Civic Center
May 4 – May 20, 2018Raleigh, NCA.J. Fletcher Opera Theater (21 shows)*
May 3- June 24, 2018Ivoryton, CTIvoryton Playhouse (20 shows)*
September 14 – October 7, 2018La Mirada, CALa Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts*
October 9, 2018Visalia, CAVisalia Fox Theatre
October 10, 2018Merced, CAThe Art Kamangar Center at the Merced Theatre
October 11, 2018San Rafael, CAMarin Center
October 16, 2018Walnut Creek, CALesher Center For the Arts Hofmann Theatre
October 17, 2018Monterey, CAGolden State Theatre
October 19, 2018Redwood City, CAFox Theatre
October 20, 2018Stockton, CABob Hope Theatre
October 21, 2018Santa Cruz, CASanta Cruz Civic Auditorium
October 23, 2018San Francisco, CAThe Warfield
October 24, 2018Yountville, CANapa Valley Performing Arts Center
October 25, 2018Fresno, CASaroyan Theatre
October 26, 2018Bakersfield, CAThe Bakersfield Fox Theatre
October 27, 2018Santa Barbara, CAArlington Theater
October 28, 2018Escondido, CACalifornia Center for the Arts
September 13, 2019Beverly, MAThe Cabot
September 14, 2019Beverly, MAThe Cabot
September 15, 2019Worcester, MAHanover Theatre
September 17, 2019Lebanon, NHLebanon Opera House
September 18, 2019Red Bank, NJCount Basie Center for the Arts
September 19, 2019Morristown, NJMayo Performing Arts Center
September 20, 2019New London, CTGarde Arts Center
September 21, 2019Kingston, NYUlster Performing Arts Center
September 22, 2019Tarrytown, NYTarrytown Music Hall
September 24, 2019Philadelphia, PAKimmel Center for the Performing Arts
September 25, 2019Washington, DCWarner Theatre
September 26, 2019Greensburg, PAThe Palace Theatre
September 27, 2019Lorain, OHLorain Palace
September 28, 2019Van Wert, OHNiswonger PAC
September 29, 2019Detroit, MIFox Theatre
September 30, 2019Pikeville, KYEast Kentucky Expo Center
October 1, 2019Cincinnati, OHAronoff Center
October 3, 2019Cedar Rapids, IAParamount Theatre
October 4, 2019Champaign, ILVirginia Theatre
October 5, 2019Waukegan, IL (Chicago)Genesee Theatre
October 6, 2019Prior Lake, MNMystic Lake Casino
October 7, 2019Joliet, ILRialto Square Theatre
October 8 - October 9, 2019St. Louis, MOStifel Theatre
October 10, 2019Richmond, KYEKU Center for the Arts
October 12, 2019Overland Park, KSYardley Hall
October 13, 2019Sioux Falls, SDOrpheum Theater Center
October 15, 2019Santa Rosa, CALuther Burbank Center
October 16, 2019San Jose, CACenter for the Performing Arts
October 17, 2019Pasadena, CAThe Rose
October 18, 2019Beverly Hills, CAThe Saban
October 20, 2019San Diego, CABalboa Theatre
January 29 – March 8, 2020Austin, TXZach Theatre
May 13 – May 29, 2022New Orleans, LALe Petit Theatre
  • March 25 – April 17, 2016: Opening Night March 31st (Previews – March 25,26, 29 & 30)
  • May 4 – May 20, 2018: Paige Mcnamara & Francesca Ferrari shared billing
  • May 3- June 24, 2018: Paige Mcnamara & Francesca Ferrari shared billing
  • September 14 – October 7, 2018: Marie Bridget Davies as lead
  • Shows from October 9, 2018 - October 28, 2018: Marie Bridget Davies as lead
Japanese Tour
DateCityVenue
August 23, 25 & 26, 2022Tokyo, JapanTokyo International Forum Hall A
West End
DateCityVenue
August 20 – September 28, 2024London, UKPeacock Theatre, London

Critical Response

The original Broadway production was met with exceptional reviews from publications like The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, ABC World News Now and more.

Variety Magazine wrote: “It’s a stunning celebration of the blues and those beautiful bruises they leave on a singer’s soul,” while USA Today called it “A dynamic, powerful musical journey back through the late 1960s. Janis Joplin is alive and well in this electrifying Broadway musical. The show features 26 musical numbers precisely paced throughout the show, each building more and more momentum and energy along the incredible journey that is A Night With Janis Joplin.”

The New York Times wrote that A Night with Janis Joplin “Rocks the house with a fervor that is riveting.”

David C. Nichols of the Los Angeles Times wrote: “In a cosmic collusion of persona and perception, this electrifying concert musical resurrects the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll with the sort of seismically sensational results normally encountered at stadiums and pop festivals... the premise is basic, unvarnished and supremely effective. Neither venue nor attendees may ever be the same.”

Characters

Included in the show are depictions of Janis Joplin as well as her musical influences: Chantel, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Odetta, Etta James and Aretha Franklin.

Awards & Nominations
AssociationYearCategoryNomineeResult
Cleveland Critics Circle Awards2012Best Regional Touring Production-Nominated
Cleveland Critics Circle Awards2012Best ActressMary Bridget DaviesNominated
Cleveland Critics Circle Awards2012Best DirectorRandy JohnsonNominated
Broadway World Awards - Cleveland2012Best Musical-Nominated
Broadway World Awards - Cleveland2012Best DirectorRandy JohnsonNominated
Broadway World Awards - Cleveland2012Best ActressMary Bridget DaviesNominated
Broadway World Awards - Cleveland2012Best Supporting ActressSabrina CartenNominated
Broadway World Awards - Cleveland2012Best Costume DesignJeff ConeNominated
Broadway World Awards - Cleveland2012Best Scenic DesignJustin TownsendNominated
Broadway World Awards – Washington DC2012Best Musical-Nominated
Broadway World Awards – Washington DC2012Best DirectorRandy JohnsonNominated
Broadway World Awards – Washington DC2012Best ActressMary Bridget DaviesNominated
Broadway World Awards – Washington DC2012Best Supporting ActressSabrina CartenNominated
Broadway World Awards – Washington DC2012Best Costume DesignJeff ConeNominated
Broadway World Awards – Washington DC2012Best Scenic DesignJustin TownsendNominated
Helen Hayes Awards2012Best ActressMary Bridget DaviesNominated
Helen Hayes Awards2012Best Supporting ActressSabrina CartenNominated
B. Iden Payne Theatre Awards2013Best Musical-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Theatre Awards2013Best DirectorRandy JohnsonNominated
B. Iden Payne Theatre Awards2013Best ActressKacee ClantonNominated
B. Iden Payne Theatre Awards2013Best Supporting ActressTiffany MannNominated
Austin Critics Table Awards2013Best Supporting ActressTiffany MannWon
Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle2013Best ActressMary Bridget DaviesWon
Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle2013Best DirectorRandy JohnsonWon
Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle2013Best Supporting ActressSabrina CartenWon
Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle2013Best Musical DirectorRoss SelgimanWon
FRED Awards – Pasadena Playhouse2013Best Musical-Won
FRED Awards – Pasadena Playhouse2013Best DirectorRandy JohnsonWon
FRED Awards – Pasadena Playhouse2013Best ActressMary Bridget DaviesWon
NAACP Theatre Awards2014Best Supporting ActressSabrina CartenWon
NAACP Theatre Awards2014Best Scenic DesignJustin TownsendWon
NAACP Theatre Awards2014Best Musical-Won
NAACP Theatre Awards2014Best DirectorRandy JohnsonWon
NAACP Theatre Awards2014Best Costume DesignJeff ConeWon
NAACP Theatre Awards2014Best Music DirectionRoss SeligmanWon
Broadway World – Best Original Cast Album 2014 New York Drama League2014Best Actress in a MusicalMary Bridget DaviesNominated
Tony Awards2014Best Actress in a MusicalMary Bridget DaviesNominated
Bay Area Theatre Awards2017Best Musical-Won
Bay Area Theatre Awards2017Best Ensemble in a Musical-Won
Bay Area Theatre Awards2017Best Musical DirectorTodd OlsonWon
Bay Area Theatre Awards2017Best DirectorRandy JohnsonNominated
Bay Area Theatre Awards2017Best Leading Actress in a MusicalKacee ClantonNominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Musical Production-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Director-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Director-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Book of a Musical-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Actress-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Actress-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Supporting Actress-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Ensemble-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Lighting Design-Nominated
San Francisco Critics Circle2018Best Costume Design-Nominated
Los Angeles Ovation Awards2019Best Presented MusicalLA Mirada TheatreNominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Musical-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Director-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Book of a Musical-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Actress-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Supporting Actress-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Ensemble-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Lighting Design-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Costume Design-Nominated
B. Iden Payne Awards2019/20Best Musical Direction-Nominated

Director

A Night with Janis Joplin was written and directed by Randy Johnson who said of the show: “The remarkable thing about this production is that it has never felt like work. Through Janis and her story so many of our dreams have come true and it truly has been a joyful experience."

Producers

Producers of the original Broadway production include: Daniel Chilewich, Todd Gershwin, Michael Cohl, Jeffrey Jampol, TCG Entertainment LLC, Red Tail Entertainment, Stephen Tenenbaum, Richard Winkler, Michael J. Moritz Jr., Corey Brunish, Brisa Trinchero, Ginger Productions, Bill Ham, Claudio Loureiro, Keith Mardak, Ragovoy Entertainment LLC, Bob & Laurie Wolf. Neil Kahanovitz, Mike Stoller, Corky Hale Stroller, Darren P. Deverna, Susan DuBow, Tanya Grubich, Jeremiah J. Harris, Jerry Rosenberg, AJ Michaels, Herb Spivak, Red Awning (Executive Producer), and Nicole Kastrinos (Executive Producer).[1]

References
  1. "Person List". Playbill. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
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