San Francisco Rocks! We just returned from two weeks in San Francisco and Northern California. It was completely amazing. Riding cable cars and trolleys, eating great food, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, riding bikes in Golden Gate Park, drinking copious amounts of wine...the entire experience was purely decadent.
One of the highlights of our trip was seeing Love, Janis, a musical based on a book of the same title published by Janis Joplin's sister. Using her own words to relay her thoughts and feelings during the time that she was catapulted to stardom, the cast, crew and director create a show that places you in a room with the idol herself. A woman with a tremendous impact on the music industry, is revealed not only through her music but her words as well. Words verbatim from letters to her mother makes the event unimaginable.
Sitting in the audience you feel you are in the presence of greatness. Morgan Hallett acts the part of the woman, Janis, reciting her letters and conducting interviews with an unseen journalist. Ms. Hallett brings a strong passion and sincerity to her role. You become a first hand witness to the struggle with Janis' need to be accepted and her responsibility to her parents, trying to please everyone and manage the overwhelming demands of stardom.
Cathy Richardson plays the artist, Janis. Her rendition of Janis' music and spirit on stage transports the audience back to the 60's & 70's. Her mastry of Janis' mannerisms complimented with her mimicry of her sound, you feel as though you are sitting in the presence of Joplin herself. Performing 17 of Janis Joplin's greatest hits makes this play more a concert with narration.
The highlight for me was being able to see the play performed in Janis' adopted hometown. Backdrops of local sights adds to the endearing quality of the performance.
Overall, this is a must see if you have ever tapped your feet to a Joplin tune. You won't regret a moment of the heart-wrenching story or crankin' tunes of one of the greatest women of the beatnik era.
Next time I'll talk about some of the wonderful food and drink experiences we had wandering through San Francisco.
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