Liza Ohlback
with Jeremy Edwards (MD/Guitar), Sean McKenzie (Keyboards), Mick Malouf (Bass,)
Greg Ohlback (Percussion/drums).
Directed by
Chris Keeble – Fish Out a Water Productions.
The Street
Theatre – Canberra – 5th March.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens.
 |
| Janis Joplin |
Dubbed the
Queen of psychedelic soul, Janis Joplin is perhaps Rock ‘n Rolls most tragic
leading lady. Prodigiously talented, she mesmerised audiences with her
uninhibited, drug-addled performances. Had she not died at just 27 years of age,
Joplin would have celebrated her 73rd birthday on the 19th
January this year.
Producer/Director, Chris Keeble’s fascination with the story behind this brilliant,
self-destructive performer led her to create “Pearl – The Janis Joplin Show”
which attempts to explore some of the myths and mysteries behind this tragic
entertainer.
 |
| Liza Ohlback |
Integral to
the success of this show is another extraordinary singer, Liza Ohlback, who,
while denying that she is doing an impersonation, still manages to nail the sound
and essence of Joplin’s idiosyncratic performance style with
astonishing accuracy.
Ohlback
doesn’t hold back. For nearly two hours, costumed in the type of opp-shop chic
that Joplin affected, she pours out her heart in powerhouse versions of the
Joplin repertoire, without any signs of vocal weariness. Quite a tour de force,
especially considering that towards the end of her career, Joplin’s voice would
not allow her to perform for more than 45 minutes at a time.
“Me and Bobby Magee”, “Mercedes Benz”, “Try
Just a Little Bit Harder”, “Piece of My Heart”, “To Love Somebody” and Joplin’s
extraordinary treatment of Gershwin’s “Summertime” are all included in the
generous selection from Joplin’s prolific catalogue of hits. Each song is superbly
interpreted by Ohlbach, supported by images of Joplin in performance projected
on to a large screen behind her, and an excellent four-piece band.Throughout, Ohlback
provides just enough contexts for each song with well-researched facts about the
singer, her songs and career.
Guitarist,
Jeremy Edwards, leads the band, which successfully captures the drive and
intensity of the Joplin’s songs while providing strong accompaniment for
Ohlback’s thrilling vocals. Besides being a fine guitarist, Edwards also proves
to be an impressive singer, contributing moody versions of two songs inspired
by Joplin - Bob Dylan’s, “Just Like a
Woman” and “The Chelsea Hotel”, written by Leonard Cohen after an encounter
with Joplin.
Well-structured,
continuously entertaining and informative, “Pearl – The Janis Joplin Show” is a
must-see for anyone with even a passing curiosity about why Janis Joplin’s
musical legacy and tragic life continues to fascinate. It’s also a superb
showcase for the extraordinary talents of Liza Ohlback who in celebrating the legacy
of Janis Joplin, also manages to leave an indelible impression of her own.
“Pearl – The
Janis Joplin Show” is touring widely so watch out for it in your town. It’s the
closest you’ll get to understanding what it was like to experience Janis Joplin live.
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| Liza Ohlback in "Pearl - The Janis Joplin Show". |
This review also appears in Australian Arts Review - www.artsreview.com.au