Performance to mark the 49th anniversary of Janis Joplin’s death at the age of 27.
“A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, THE BROADWAY MUSICAL is a loud, colorful, high-caliber spectacle.” – The Associated Press
Champaign, IL – The Tony Award-nominated actress who originated the role of Janis Joplin in the premiere Broadway run of A Night With Janis Joplin, The Broadway Musical will star in a special performance of the show at the historic Virginia Theatre, 203 West Park Avenue, Champaign, on Friday, October 4, 2019, at 7:30 P.M. $49.50 to $69.50 tickets are on sale now at the Virginia Theatre Box Office, online at thevirginia.org, or charge by phone at 217-356-9063. This event is presented by the Champaign Park District. The Virginia Theatre’s 2019-2020 Performing Arts Season is sponsored by WILL—Illinois Public Media and The News-Gazette.
“KEEPS THE HOUSE ROCKING…with a throbbing fervor” – The New York Times
On October 4, 1970, singer-songwriter Janis Joplin—one of the most celebrated rock performers of the era—died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27. She had released just three albums during her brief recording career, with a fourth to be released posthumously. She initially achieved fame following a well-received appearance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival and also appeared at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, 50 years ago this summer. Five of her singles reached the Billboard charts, including “Me and Bobby McGee”, “Piece of My Heart”, “Cry Baby”, “Down on Me”, “Ball and Chain”, “Summertime”, and “Mercedes Benz”. Joplin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and remains one of the top-selling musicians in the United States, with over 15.5 million albums sold.
A Night With Janis Joplin, The Broadway Musical
Filled with unforgettable songs, a remarkable cast, and breakout performances, A Night with Janis Joplin, The Broadway Musical, written and directed by Randy Johnson, is a musical journey celebrating Janis and her biggest musical influences – icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of rock & roll’s greatest legends.
Please note: may include adult subjects/language – for mature audiences.
“LUSTY, POWERFUL, AND UNDENIABLY CROWD-PLEASING. THE AUDIENCE ROSE TO THEIR FEET!” – The Huffington Post
Mary Bridget Davies is an American singer, actress, and interpreter of Janis Joplin’s music. She received a Tony Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her performance as Janis for the Broadway production of A Night With Janis Joplin, The Broadway Musical.
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