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Interview with Jody Joseph about her Janis Joplin / Stevie Nicks Show

By Gary Wien

originally published: 05/27/2009 On Saturday, May 30 Jody Joseph will perform a special theatrical tribute to Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks at the Paramount Theatre in Asbury Park. We had a chance to catch up with Jody to ask her a few questions about the show...

Tell me a bit about your show at the Paramount. You'll be paying tribute to Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks, will the show be in two segments? Costume changes and wigs?
This production will be delivered in three flowing sequences. Not only will I perform as these two extraordinary entertainers, but I will emulate the magic that has invoked thousands of fans to love them. The sequences will include wardrobe changes, make-up and hair styles, in which I will appear to look like Janis and Stevie. In conclusion, I will appear as myself and perform my original songs� the rock and roll daughter of these two women.

When did you first get the idea to do a show like this? Have you ever done anything like this before? Did your run with Big Brother Holding Company give you the inspiration?
The idea evolved from remarks made over the years about how much I sound like Janis and Stevie. Renee Ludwig and I tossed around the idea and came up with the program.

I knew that I could perform as Janis Joplin from rehearsing for my tour with Big Brother. Performing as Janis is easier. The Stevie Nicks part is harder because I had to learn all of her moves.

How did the show wind up at the Paramount? That's a pretty good accomplishment!
John D, of Live Nation, heard about the show and didn't even need a press kit. He loved the idea and booked it right away at the Paramount.

I knew about Janis Joplin being one of your major influences, but I didn't know that Stevie Nicks was an influence as well. Who else among your musical influences might surprise me?
Shirley Bassey and Bette Midler, the divine "Miss M"

 

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Can you tell us some of the songs we can expect? Or do you want it all to be a surprise?
Why Spoil it?

You have your shows featuring your students and now this, are there any other special shows possibly popping up in the future for you?
I'm hoping to put this show on tour.

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Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station The Penguin Rocks. He can be contacted at gary@newjerseystage.com.

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