The Original Hot Mess

Amy Winehouse may be righteous, but the biggest name among Dionysian divas will always be Janis Joplin. When it came to living life as a spectacular public meltdown, nobody outdid the Queen of Rock. Janis certainly cut a dash in her motley get-ups, all blotto on Southern Comfort and happy...

By Bill Frogameni

February 28, 2008

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Amy Winehouse may be righteous, but the biggest name among Dionysian divas will always be Janis Joplin.

When it came to living life as a spectacular public meltdown, nobody outdid the Queen of Rock. Janis certainly cut a dash in her motley get-ups, all blotto on Southern Comfort and happy dust, her panicked eyes and scrunched face forewarning an impending shit fit. But she went onstage, spared nothing, and sang like the angel and the gravel-throated, smacked-up blues goddess she was. When Janis sprung the mortal coil at 27, it was tragic, but perhaps inevitable.

You can still take a little piece of Janis’ heart when the biographical Love, Janis: The Musical comes to Parker Playhouse (707 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale) Friday through Sunday. Come see what made Janis’ flame shine so bright and burn out so early. Tickets cost $29-$49. Call 954-462-0222, or visit www.parkerplayhouse.com.
Fri., Feb. 29; Sat., March 1; Sun., March 2, 2008

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