Page 9 - A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN FINAL
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who’s who Janis Joplin That
voice - high, husky,
Hairspray (Lorraine/ earthy, explosive -
Motormouth Mable). remains among the
Highlights include most distinctive and
They’re Playing Our galvanizing in pop
Song starring Stephanie history. But Janis Joplin
J Block and Jason didn’t merely possess a
Alexander; South great instrument; she threw herself into
Pacific starring Reba every syllable, testifying from the very
McIntyre and Brian Stokes Mitchell; Ray core of her being. She claimed the blues,
Charles Live! (Raelet/GeorgiaPitman) soul, gospel, country and rock with
and Beehive (Aretha Franklin). Television unquestionable authority and verve,
credits include “Ellen Degeneres”, “Wayne fearlessly inhabiting psychedelic guitar
Brady Show” and “The Tonight Show” jams, back-porch roots and everything in
with Jay Leno as a back-up singer for between. Her volcanic performances left
various artists. Guest starred on “Scrubs” audiences stunned and speechless, while
and appeared in Rent the movie. She her sexual magnetism, world-wise
is an accomplished singer/songwriter. demeanor and flamboyant style shattered
Her recording group, Livinoutloud, has every stereotype about female artists -
enjoyed a decade of chart-topping singles and essentially invented the “rock mama”
in the UK. Most recently, she worked paradigm. But California drew her back
with David Foster on the musical Primal into its glittering embrace in 1966, when
Scream. Her performance is dedicated to she joined the Haight-based psychedelic-
Carrie Hamilton. rock band Big Brother and the Holding
Company. Her adoption of a wild sartorial
JENELLE LYNN style - with granny glasses, frizzed-out hair
RANDALL (Joplinaire/ and extravagant attire that winked,
Etta James/Blues hippie-style, at the burlesque era - further
Woman). Jenelle is spiked her burgeoning reputation. And
delighted to be back from there, the rest is history. In the years
at The Pasadena since her passing, Janis Joplin’s recordings
Playhouse. Jenelle’s and filmed performances have cemented
regional theater credits her status as an icon, inspiring countless
include: Miss Gardner in Carrie, Hattie imitators and musical devotees. Myriad
in Kiss Me Kate, Minnie in 3D’s Parade, hit collections, live anthologies, various
Lorrell in the MUNY”s Dreamgirls (with commercials, and a hit Broadway show
Jennifer Holiday), Once on this Island have kept her legend alive.
and Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Jenelle graduated RANDY JOHNSON (Writer/Director)
with a BA in Musical Theatre from made his Broadway debut in 2013 as
George Mason University. Jenelle’s director, writer and creator of A Night
Broadway credits include All Shook With Janis Joplin. His theatre and concert
Up and the National tour of Brooklyn work has been seen on Broadway, Off
the Musical. Jenelle’s TV credits Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie
include “Young and the Restless,” “Love Hall, The Apollo Theatre, Madison Square
That Girl,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “All My Garden, Wembley Arena, The Ryman
Children”, “Guiding Light,” and “Law & Auditorium, and regional theatres across
Order SVU.w” Jenelle gives thanks to God
and Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Randall.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN P9
