Janis Joplin Comes to Life in Show-Stopping Musical

Kyle Watkins Photography

Now through October 19, A Night With Janis Joplin is lighting up the stage at Bell Works Theater in Holmdel, offering audiences a look at one of music’s most influential voices. The show blends concert-style performances with storytelling, celebrating not only Janis Joplin’s career but the musical icons who helped shape her sound.

Starring Tony-nominated Mary Bridget Davies, who also co-directs alongside Nick Hrutkay, A Night With Janis Joplin features music direction by Charles Santoro. The band, backed by a tight three-piece horn section, was locked in, delivering stellar solos that perfectly complemented the powerhouse vocals of Davies, along with Cicily Daniels, Tawny Dolley, Sha’Leah Nikole, and Melissa Musique, who set the stage on fire with energy and soul in every song. Throughout the show, Daniels, Dolley, Nikole, and Musique portray influential artists like Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin, embodying their power and presence with commanding vocals that honor their legacies. Their performances also capture the deep connection Janis felt with these groundbreaking pioneers who shaped her sound and spirit.

Rather than a traditional musical with scripted scenes and plot, A Night With Janis Joplin is staged as a concert with interludes. The structure allows the audience to experience Joplin’s most well-known songs, like “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Cry Baby,” and “Summertime,” alongside reflections on her life, influences, and music. The performance includes moments of spoken word and storytelling, offering a window into the inspirations behind her sound.

The powerhouse ensemble of A Night With Janis Joplin channels the spirit of Janis and the legendary women who shaped her sound. Kyle Watkins Photography

The show’s run at Bell Works Theater coincides with the 55th anniversary of a significant moment in Joplin’s life: her final concert on August 12, 1970, at Harvard Stadium, performed before nearly 40,000 fans. She passed away less than two months later, on October 4, 1970, at the age of 27. The following year, her posthumous album Pearl, featuring the hit “Me and Bobby McGee,” became a major success.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or learning about Janis Joplin for the first time, this production offers a glimpse into her music and her legacy. The show also highlights the groundbreaking work of other legendary women in blues, soul, and rock, making it especially resonant for those who appreciate the history of American music.

With powerhouse performances and a moving tribute to music history, A Night With Janis Joplin is a standout production worth experiencing. We highly recommend it!

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

October 3–19, 2025

Bell Works Theater, Holmdel, NJ

Written and Created by Randy Johnson

Starring Mary Bridget Davies (Tony-nominated)

Co-Directed by Davies and Nick Hrutkay

Music Direction by Charles Santoro

Featuring: Cicily Daniels, Tawny Dolley, Sha’Leah Nikole, Melissa Musique

Tickets and information: bellworkstheater.com

Until next time, peace.