Montecito Rocks Joplin

A soul-shaking, microphone-smashing tribute brings Janis Joplin’s legend to life onstage – family, friends, and hometown heroes in full-throttle rock-and-roll mode.

Santa Barbara turned the volume up for opening night at the New Vic Theatre, where Ensemble Theatre Company unleashed a full-throttle celebration of Janis Joplin – equal parts grit, glamour, and glorious sound.

After the final encore, and eight standing ovations, the crowd surged into a post-show reception, clinking glasses and noshing bites, riding the electric high of a performance that shook the walls and stirred the soul.

Front and center were Geof and Laura Wyatt, visionary producers, who said, “It was fantastic! We’ve been traveling and missed the preview, so we had no idea it was this amazing and incredible!” Also attending was Kenny Nemes, manager of the late Janis Joplin’s Estate: “Mary Bridget Davies is our star. She does an incredible job, and I’m thrilled that she has made it to Santa Barbara.”

Mary Bridget Davies blew the roof off when she broke the microphone after singing “Me and Bobby McGee.” Her son, Myles Downing, age 8, looked on with pride, saying, “Mom was amazing!”

Montecito hometown heroes George Quirin and Maitland Ward lit up the stage. Quirin quipped, “It’s cool, baby! It’s a kick!”

From Los Angeles, Lucille Dorn, 84-year-old grandmother, and Shelia Dorn, mother of cast member Sha’Leah Nikole, who plays Aretha Franklin, were moved to tears. Lucille said, “Her talent is a gift. This show is a gift! Her brother is singing right now with Alicia Keys, and I’m overwhelmed with pride. To see my granddaughter on this stage, carrying on such incredible music, it fills my heart completely.” Meanwhile, Ginny Brush, in a beatnik black beret, and Dana White, smiling ear to ear, radiated effortless cool.

Beverly Ragovoy flew in all the way from Stamford, Connecticut to honor her late husband, Jerry Ragovoy, who wrote “I’m Gonna Rock My Way to Heaven,” “Piece of My Heart,” and others for Joplin. Jerry also wrote the classic “Time is on My Side” for the Rolling Stones. Beverly later remarked from her home in NYC, “I’m confident Jerry would love this powerful ETC Production. Both the actors’ and musician performances are impressive, along with the expanded projections that contribute to our appreciation of Janis’s musical influences, which include the Great Blues singers.” She was emotionally touched and thrilled to see his legacy roar back to life in our Tony Town.

Artistic Director Scott DeVine shimmered in a gold lamé jacket, while Co-director Brian McDonald leaned into the vibe with a psychedelic paisley shirt and hot pink glasses – pure rock-and-roll flair. By night’s end, the verdict was clear: this production doesn’t just tell Janis Joplin’s story – it channels her, wall to wall, soul to soul, leaving the audience breathless.