FIREFLY
DIRECTOR: Maralin Van Reenen
CAST: PJ Powers
VENUE: Fringe at the Joburg Theatre
UNTIL: September 28
RATING: 4 stars (out of 5)
Diane de Beer
She’s a powerhouse. That’s PJ Powers, or Penelope Jane Dunlop, which is how she started life, with only one thing on her mind: singing. And she’s doing just that, standing her ground and reaffirming a presence that’s not easily going to disappear.
It is her stage persona, her warmth, her wit and the way she embraces her life and her audience that draws you in.
This is a personal story as she takes you on her often hell-raising journey, none of which was planned, yet everything that came her way was grabbed and held on to with everything she could give.
She’s that kind of performer and when she does her more theatrical songs – like the Janis Joplin trio, Bette Davis Eyes, Life on Mars and of course, Jabulani – it’s obvious that she needs a stage and this is where she excels, especially when she can add theatrical impact to a song.
That and her story, which is being told in her newly launched book, show a soft, gentle side as she peels away the layers from start to finish, no holds barred.
It’s a fascinating glimpse of a rock star – especially if, like me, you don’t know the rock persona and saw her Joplin season some time ago.
Powers represents a specific time in presence and song, but there’s also a wisdom that has come with a life lived publicly.
And that grabs you as she launches into song and story, wearing her heart on her sleeve.
It’s a great nostalgic return for fans, but if you’re not that familiar with PJ’s work it’s also a revelation.
The show could do with a strong edit, especially of some of the music, because Powers uses backtracks (good ones, but still) and some work better than others.
There are some songs to let go and you have at least 30 minutes to cut. To sustain a show on your own for two hours is a tough ask. It would simply be slicker and far sweeter with a trim. And please bring Janis back. Those are magical moments.