FAYETTEVILLE, Pa — Totem Pole Playhouse is proud to announce the full cast and creative team for its upcoming production of A Night with Janis Joplin, running May 29 through June 13. This regional premiere, presented in exciting partnership with Gretna Theatre, will kick off the Playhouse’s 2026 summer season with a high-energy celebration of one of music’s most iconic voices.
More than a traditional musical, A Night with Janis Joplin is a full-scale rock concert experience that transports audiences into the heart of a 1960s music hall. Backed by a live band, the production captures the sound, spirit, and soul of Janis Joplin while honoring the legendary women who influenced her—including artists like Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Bessie Smith, and Odetta.
Leading the cast as Janis Joplin is Francesca Ferrari, who previously performed the role on the national tour of A Night with Janis Joplin. She is joined by a powerhouse ensemble of vocalists portraying the iconic artists who shaped Janis’s sound, including Crystal Shan’nea (National Tour: Summer), who portrays Etta James and Bessie Smith; Tanea Renee (National Tour: Smokey Joe’s Café) as a Lead Chantel and Blues Singer, Gabbi Mack (SIX: The Musical) as the Blues Woman and Aretha Franklin; and Jannie Jones (Broadway: The Full Monty), as Odetta and Nina Simone. Laura Frye, known for her work at Walnut Street Theatre, will serve as the alternate for Janis Joplin.
The production is directed by Ryan B. Gibbs (Broadway: Wicked, National Tour: Rent 20th Anniversary, Mary Poppins). Choreography is by Joshua William Green (National Tour: Ragtime). Music direction is led by Lena Gabrielle (National Tour of SIX: The Musical), bringing a dynamic and contemporary musical perspective to the production.
The creative team also features scenic design by Andrue Morgan (Atomic Design), lighting design by Jeremiah V. Kearns (University of Kentucky), sound design by Kate Wecker (National Tour: Menopause the Musical), costumes by Azaria Rubio (Broadway: Suffs), and hair by Braxton Cooper (Broadway: Just in Time). The production stage manager is Caskey Hunsader (National Tour: Mrs. Doubtfire), with Hope Rohrbaugh (National Tour: Pete the Cat) serving as assistant stage manager. Associate lighting designer and video designer is Sam Sims. Brittany Boone, LeeLee Santillo, and Armen Trask are video designers.
A live band will be featured on stage for every performance, adding to the immersive concert-style experience. The band includes Jon Rossi on drums; Michael Vitale and Leo Smith sharing bass; Brian Mueller on guitar; Kayla Keating on reed; Eric Plum and Fred Gleason on trombone; and John Pursell on trumpet.
“This is not a traditional musical—it’s a full rock concert in the theatre,” said Totem Pole leadership. “Audiences will feel like they’re stepping into the energy and spirit of Janis Joplin and the incredible women who inspired her.”
For the first time since 2020, every musical in Totem Pole Playhouse’s season will feature a live band—part of the organization’s continued commitment to delivering a fully immersive and authentic theatrical experience. Launching the season with A Night with Janis Joplin underscores the Playhouse’s momentum and dedication to bringing bold, high-quality productions to Central Pennsylvania audiences.
Tickets are available now. Sponsored by Wellspan Health.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit totempoleplayhouse.org or call the box office at 717-352-2164.
