Sorry, this show has the distinction of causing me to do something I never do -- leave at intermission.
Not because it's a bad show. In fact, the performances by Mary Bridget Davies as Janis Joplin and backup singers the Joplinaires Taprena Michelle Augustine, De Adre Aziza, Allison Blackwell and Nikkia Kimbrough, who also perform as Chantel, Bessie Smith, Odetta, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and Etta James, among others, are really terrific.
No, I left because the intense flashing lights (Justin Townsend designs the set and lighting) as the curtain went up, combined with the very loud music triggered a migraine and I had to go seek medication and a dark room at intermission. So I can;t really review the show for you, but I can tell you that if you are a fan of Joplin, you will like it. Davies, in her Broadway debut, gives a deep portrayal, singing the songs with rock gusto (accompanied by very good orchestra under the musical direction of Ross Seligman (Watch for award nominations for Daves. She's that good.) She offers some thoughts and memories from time to time -- and that's where those other singers come in thanks to the book written by Director Randy Johnson.
The Queen of Psychedelic Soul describes herself as an everyday woman who feels the blues. Her goal early in life was to enjoy sex and get high. Drugs claimed her life at age 27. Kacee Clanton plays the role of Joplin at certain performances (no doubt because of the strain on the voice to perform eight shows a week).
The splashy costumes and 1960s jeans and peasant type shirt worn by Joplin are designed by Amy Clark. Patricia Wilcox does the choreography.
There was some language in the first act.
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