"Phenomenal! Unbelievable! A Rockin' Good Time!"

WCBS-FM , New York
Love; Janis

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

The life and music of rock-n-roll icon Janis Joplin explodes onto the stage in LOVE, JANIS, a hauntingly intimate portrayal of one of America's most celebrated icons.  The musical goes behind the music to offer a glimpse at the soul of a legend both through the letters she wrote home and the songs she made famous.

A NEW MUSICAL CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF ROCK LEGEND JANIS JOPLIN COMES TO THE MAJESTIC THEATRE FOR EIGHT PERFORMANCES ONLY FEBRUARY 19-24, 2008

Conceived, adapted and directed by Randal Myler (It Ain't Nothin But The Blues, Hank Williams: Lost Highway ) and inspired by the best-selling book of the same name by Laura Joplin, LOVE, JANIS paints a stunning portrait of the legendary blues rocker—both of the singular performer who defied traditional musical definitions, and the sensitive, intelligent person remembered by family and friends—from her meteoric rise to fame in the '60s to her tragic death in 1970.   Janis' journey is told in her own words; the entire spoken text comes directly from Janis' actual letters and her many print, radio and television interviews.   

These poignant insights into the private Janis are intertwined with explosive performances of her smash hit classics, including "Piece of My Heart," "Get It While You Can," "Me and Bobby McGee," "Ball and Chain" and "Mercedes Benz."  

The New York Post calls LOVE, JANIS, "a potent, fresh and enormously crowd-pleasing evocation of the legacy of Janis Joplin," while USA Today deems it an "unabashed celebration."   The San Diego Union Tribune declares "Joplin truly lives again in the affectionate and completely appealing ' LOVE, JANIS .'"    For further information, visit their website at   www.lovejanisthemusical.com.

STARS! !STARS!

The role of the singing Janis Joplin will be performed on alternating evenings by Katrina Chester and Mary Bridget Davies.  Katrina Chester is a natural born performer.  Daughter of legendary session drummer Gary Chester, she began fronting bands at age 12.  Her former group, Luxx, opened for Godsmack, 3 Doors Down, Fuel and Saliva.  In addition to three albums with Luxx, she appears on Godsmack's Awake, as well as two recordings with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, touring with them as well.  Her self-titled, sold out solo CD showcased her gutsy vocal and writing styles.  Katrina appeared in the Off-Broadway production of LOVE, JANIS in her hometown of New York City as well as regional productions in Louisville, Cincinnati and Cleveland.  She revised the role of Janis Joplin in the 2006 San Francisco production of the play at the Marines Memorial Theatre.  TV appearances include HBO's "Sex and the City" and Howard Stern.

Mary Bridget Davies has been on stage since age three.  Her first love, dance, took her to Los Angeles on a scholarship, and then around the country as part of a touring dance troupe.  After completing the tour, Mary Bridget joined Cleveland's own Something Dada Improvisational Comedy Company.  Five years ago, she discovered a passion for singing blues, rock and soul music and now fronts the Mary Bridget Davies Group, which was nominated as the Best Blues Band by Cleveland's Scene and Free Times magazines.  Mary Bridget also received the Best Vocalist award from the Free Times.  She made her debut in LOVE, JANIS at Cleveland's Playhouse Square and also performed the role at Theatre Aspen and the Marines Memorial Theatre in San Francisco

LOVE, JANIS is part of the Dallas Summer Musicals' Broadway Contemporary Series.  Single tickets for LOVE, JANIS, priced from $15-$67, are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, and all Ticketmaster outlets including The Majestic Theatre.   Tickets are also available by calling 214-631-ARTS (2787) or online at www.ticketmaster.com.   For groups of 20 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.

All performances will be at The Majestic Theatre, 1925 Elm Street in Dallas.   The schedule is:

            Tuesday          February 19                 8 p.m. (opening night)
            Wednesday      February 20                 8 p.m.
            Thursday          February 21                 8 p.m.
            Friday               February 22                 8 p.m.
            Saturday           February 23                 2 and 8 p.m.
            Sunday             February 24                 2 and 8 p.m.

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are The Dallas

Morning News , WFAA TV Channel 8, and American Airlines.

COMING UP

Next up for Dallas Summer Musicals will be BCS subscribers' specials TONY 'N' TINA'S WEDDING at the Sara Ellen and Samuel Weisfeld Center in Dallas February 8-March 9, and MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL at The Majestic Theatre March 11-16.

ABOUT DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS

Now celebrating its 68th season, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theater organization in the United States, and the sixth largest non-profit theater company.   DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in live, musical theatre entertainment since 1941.  

In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours local productions, and is involved in developing new works. Dallas Summer Musicals' affiliates include DSM Management Group, Inc. (DSMMGI), which manages the Music Hall at Fair Park and the historical Majestic Theatre.   In addition, DSM has its own school of musical theatre, which provides quality education and outreach to the youth of Dallas. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, visit www.dallassummermusicals.org or call 214-421-5678.