The voice, the music, the legend: Spend A Night with Janis Joplin as she shares her inspirations, her story and the gift that was her talent. From her humble beginnings in Port Arthur, Texas to worldwide stardom, we hear from Janis herself as she reminisces on how music became the love of her life... A love instilled by her mother and nurtured by the greats including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Bessie Smith and Nina Simone. Told through a series of songs by the Chantels and Joplinaires, duets with those masters of the blues, and Janis’s biggest hits “Piece of My Heart,” “Me and Bobby McGee” and so many more, A Night with Janis Joplin will have you rocking out and leaving the theatre with your heart full.
A Night with Janis Joplin first premiered at Portland Center Stage on 24 May 2011 starring Cat Stephani in the lead role. The show officially opened on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre on 10 October 2013. Directed by Randy Johnson, the production featured Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin alongside De’Adre Aziza, Taprena Michelle Augustine, Allison Blackwell, and Nikki Kimbrough. Post-Broadway, the show traveled through North America starting in 2015 for seven years, making over 130 stops. It then opened in the West End at the Peacock Theatre on 20 August 2024. Directed again by Randy Johnson, this production saw Mary Bridget Davies return to star in the lead role.