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Taprena Michelle Augustine, De'Adre Aziza, Allison Blackwell and Nikki Kimbrough perform as backup singers "The Joplinaires." With grace and elegance, they also represent late 1950s "girl groups" and some iconic blues singers, dramatically performing parts of signature numbers by the likes of Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone, Bessie Smith and Aretha Franklin on a platform above the stage. In turn, Davies performs Joplin's earthier interpretations of these hits, showing how she made them her own, such as an invigorating "Tell Mama" (with Kimbrough stunning as Etta James) and a mournful, wailing, primal version of "Summertime." With dynamic use of lighting, projections, sound design and the choreography of Patricia Wilcox, Johnson creates a high-caliber spectacle around the compelling story of a uniquely talented singer-songwriter who embodied her generation's passionate attitudes. ___ Online:
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