Janis Joplin had one of the most distinctive voices in rock history. Her vocals took the emotional intensity of a blues singer and put it through a rock-and-roll amplifier. This combination of raspy vocals, bluesy sound, and larger-than-life stage presence earned Joplin a reputation as the “Queen of Rock n’ Roll” before her life was tragically cut short.
This autumn, come and take a journey through Joplin’s music and legacy at American Stage, located at 163 3rd Street North in St. Pete. A Night With Janis Joplin, written by Randy Johnson and directed by Céline Rosenthal, takes audiences on a musical journey through Joplin’s life, while also celebrating the powerhouse women who influenced her sound, including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith.
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The production runs September 16 through October 11, and tickets are available here. We expect many of these dates to sell out fast, so we recommend securing your tickets fast.
A musical tribute to Janis Joplin
The experience is a journey through the life and career of Janis Joplin, who led one of the music industry’s most interesting lives both in and out of the studio.
Joplin’s hit take center stage, though audiences can expect to hear music connected to artists like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith while following Joplin’s journey as she found her own voice in the blues and rock-and-roll world. The show’s themes center around women in music, black history, history of rock, and agents of change.
The result is a show that is a concert, theatre, and musical history lesson all-in-one. This gives audiences a chance to experience Joplin’s music while learning more about the artists who helped pave the way for her distinctive sound.
A voice that still echoes
Joplin’s story is one that sits firmly in the history of American music, while the artists who influenced her help tell a bigger story about the women who shaped blues, soul and rock. American Stage’s goal is not just to put on a show, but to also use live theater to connect audiences with stories from both past and present.
It’s been more than five decades since Janis Joplin took the stage, but that voice is still instantly recognizable. Those bluesy, unmistakably raspy vocals still have a way of filling a room. But this time, they’re getting a little help from the theatre.
Show dates and times
September 24 7PM (with a Post-Show Talkback)
September 26 2PM, *8PM (ASL Night)
About American Stage
Since 1977, American Stage has been dedicated to bringing meaningful, compelling stories to the Tampa Bay community through live theatre. The St. Petersburg-based nonprofit describes its mission as reinforcing the power of live theatre through high-quality productions that excite and challenge a diverse audience, with a focus on stories that inspire audiences to “lean forward and engage.”
