Christine Martucci & Friends "Breakfast with Janis" Launch Party
Paramount Theater, Asbury Park, NJ

Rocker Christine Martucci shared a glimpse of her play, a work in progress called Breakfast with Janis, with an eager crowd of loyal fans at the famed Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, NJ. Ms. Martucci, who says she was inspired to embark on this musical journey by Janis Joplin in a dream, is a powerful blues rock performer, with a growing fan base.

The play explores the silent friendship of a singer with the memory of her idol, Janis Joplin, and how she turns to Janis for comfort in the moments of loneliness that often arrive at the end of a show. Martucci admits the play is still in development, but her "Tucci Train" devotees demanded the peek. "There's a lot of me in the play...being on stage is the one time I truly feel whole." Janis fans will appreciate the near reverent treatment of the icon.

Martucci's huge voice and powerful prowling performance is well suited for the big stage. Like a young Melissa Etheridge, Christine's sandy throat, straightforward lyrics and take no prisoners delivery make her immensely watchable. Her very accomplished band included Meat Loaf's CC Coletti as the specter of Janis and guitarist Anthony Krizan of the Spin Doctors. Christine Martucci has two CD's of original music and is looking forward to more recordings, and to finishing her play and bringing it to Broadway. "I've been through so much in my life. There's so much to say; music makes it all possible and I'm very glad to have people who want to listen."

The evening also featured the popular Bob Burger Band, singer/songwriter Linda Chorney and comedienne Amy Beckerman.—Lori Draz & Howard B. Leibowitz