A Night With Janis Joplin, seen on Broadway in 2013, will make its U.K. premiere this summer at the Peacock Theatre, Sadlers Wells’ home in London's West End. Performances are scheduled to begin August 21 prior to an official opening September 28.
As previously reported, Mary Bridget Davies, Tony-nominated for her Broadway work,
will reprise her role as late rock icon Janis Joplin.
The production just announced that Sharon Sexton (Bat Out of Hell The Musical, Mamma Mia!) will share the role with Davies. Davies will play evening performances with Sexton performing at matinees.
In a statement Sexton says, "Janis Joplin
is such an icon. She has inspired so many of my heroes, so it’s a real
privilege for me to get to step into her shoes. And they are huge shoes
to step into! The mark she left on the world in her short time here is
actually so big that it’s difficult to measure. She was so raw and
passionate and poured everything into her music. I already feel like
this is going to be one of the most challenging and fulfilling roles
I’ll ever play, and I can’t wait to be a part of this team, and this
show, which celebrates not only Janis’ talent, but also her heart and
soul.”
Randy Johnson, who penned the book, will again direct with
choreography by Patricia Wilcox, associate direction by Allison Coyne, music supervision and music direction by Lestyn Griffiths, and casting by Anne Vosser. Additional casting will be announced.
The musical journey celebrates not only Joplin but her biggest musical influences, including trailblazers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone, and Bessie Smith, all of whom inspired Joplin to become one of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends. Audiences can expect to hear such Joplin favorites as "Piece of My Heart," "Cry Baby," "Me and Bobby McGee," and more.
A Night With Janis Joplin was first produced in
2011, touring for two years before arriving at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre
in September 2013. The production played 22 previews and 140 regular
performances and garnered a Tony nomination for Davies. The production
has been touring the U.S. ever since and also played Japan in
2022 at the Tokyo International Forum Hall.
A Night With Janis Joplin is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith, and the estate of Janis Joplin and Jeffrey Jampol for Jam, Inc, with U.K. general management by MPSI Ltd.
Visit JanisJoplin.com.
