A.C.T. Closes Out 2016–17 season with A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Summer of Love in San Francisco-coinciding with A.C.T.'s 50th anniversary-American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) will close out its 2016-17 season with Broadway's critically acclaimed musical A Night with Janis Joplin (June 7-July 2, 2017).

Fueled by such unforgettable songs as "Me and Bobby McGee," "Piece of My Heart," "Mercedes Benz," "Cry Baby" and "Summertime," A Night with Janis Joplin is a musical journey celebrating Janis and her biggest musical influences-icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone, and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of rock and roll's greatest legends. Press night for A Night with Janis Joplin will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017. Single tickets (ranging from $20-$120) are available at the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock and roll. The unmistakable voice, laced with raw emotion and Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock.

In 1967, nearly 100,000 young people converged on the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, turning San Francisco into the epicenter of a cultural phenomenon known as the Summer of Love. Led by San Francisco Travel and the California Historical Society, the City of San Francisco is currently commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love in 2017 with special events, major exhibits, and concerts throughout the city.

Says A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff: "We can't wait to fill The Geary Theater with the raw and remarkable sounds of Janis Joplin and the host of incredible singers who inspired her. Janis burst upon the scene in the summer of 1967 in San Francisco with the dream of revolutionizing the way we look at the world. We're delighted that A.C.T. can play such a central role in celebrating the legendary Summer of Love with this powerful and moving musical, perfectly timed to remind us of a moment when a young generation was asking all the huge questions and refusing to take no for an answer. We could all use a little idealism again right now. A Night with Janis Joplin may be just the jolt and reminder we need!"

Kacee Clanton-in a role she played to great acclaim on Broadway-will take on the iconic role of Janis Joplin. Rounding out the cast are (in alphabetical order): Sharon Catherine Brown, Tamar Davis, Tawny Dolley, and Sylvia MacCalla. Kelly McIntyre will perform the role of Janis Joplin at certain performances.

Created, written, and directed by RAndy Johnson, the creative team for A Night with Janis Joplin includes Todd Olson (Music Director), Mike Baldassari and Gertjan Houben (Lighting Designers), Amy Clark (Costume Designer), Rob Bissinger (Scenic Designer), Ben Selke (Sound Designer), Darrel Maloney (Projection Designer), and Patricia Wilcox (Choreographer).

In connection with A Night with Janis Joplin, A.C.T. will offer numerous InterACT events-many of which are presented free of charge-that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while having an entire night out at the theater. Visit act-sf.org/interact to learn more about subscribing to these events throughout the season: • Bike to the Theater Night:
Wednesday, June 7, 7 p.m.
Providing a greener alternative to theater transportation, A.C.T. and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition offer free valet bike parking, as well as a special discount on tickets, for these select performances.

• Prologue:
Tuesday, June 13, 5:30 p.m.
Before the curtain goes up, get a sneak peek at the artistic process at this fascinating preshow discussion with the director and artistic staff.

• Theater on the Couch:
Friday, June 16, following the 8 p.m. performance
Led by Dr. Mason Turner, chief of psychiatry at San Francisco's Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, this exciting postshow discussion series addresses audience questions and explores the minds, motives, and behavior of the characters.

• Audience Exchanges:
Tuesday, June 20, 7 p.m. | Sunday, June 25, 2 p.m. | Wednesday, June 28, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists who create the work onstage.

• OUT with A.C.T.:
Wednesday, June 21, following the 8 p.m. performance
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and enjoy free drinks and treats at this popular after-party.

• Wente Vineyards Wine Series:
Tuesday, June 27, 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine-tasting event featuring the Bay Area's hottest local winery.

• PlayTime:
Saturday, July 1, 12:45 p.m.
Before this matinee performance, get hands-on with the artists who make it happen at this interactive theater workshop. A.C.T.'s production of A Night with Janis Joplin is made possible by executive producer Mr. David G. Steele; producer Merrill Randol Sherwin; and associate producers Barb and Gary Erickson, Milton Mosk and Thomas Foutch, Christine and Stan Mattison, Helen M. Marcus and David J. Williamson, Tim Mott and Pegan Brooke, and Robina Riccitiello. A Night with Janis Joplin is sponsored by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.

A.C.T. would also like to acknowledge its 2016-17 season presenters Frannie Fleishhacker; Priscilla and Keith Geeslin; Fred M. Levin and Nancy Livingston, The Shenson Foundation; Burt and Deedee McMurtry; Arthur Rock and Toni Rembe; Mary and Steven Swig; and Jeff and Laurie Ubben; company sponsors Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund; Jeri Lynn and Jeffrey W. Johnson; Barbara Ravizza and John S. Osterweis; Patti and Rusty Rueff; Jack and Susy Wadsworth; and Kay Yun and Andre Neumann-Loreck; season partner PG&E, lead education partner Wells Fargo, 50th Anniversary Season Airline Sponsor United Airlines, and Official Hotel Sponsor Hotel G.

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