Broadway and television star Andy Mientus brings Joni Mitchell’s iconic 1970 album Ladies of the Canyon to life in a new filmed concert, captured last winter in New Hope. The film features performances by Christy Altomare (Yardley native, Broadway’s Anatasia), Tony Award-winner Nikki M. James (The Book of Mormon), Krista Pioppi (Spring Awakening) and Cathy Ang (HBO Max’s And Just Like That). It was directed by Tony Award-nominated director Michael Arden, with musical direction by Benjamin Rauhala (Hit-List). Justin Goldner is featured on guitar.
At 26, Mitchell wrote and recorded songs, drew album art and hand-wrote lyrics for the release of her third studio album Ladies of the Canyon, which Rolling Stone hailed as “an album of departures, overheard conversations and unquiet triumphs for this hymnal lady who mingles the random with the particular so effectively.” Mientus covers the album in full, stripping beloved songs such as “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Woodstock” and “The Circle Game” down to find the hymns inside these unquiet triumphs.
The filming brings a new perspective to the highly successful cabaret version of the show that was well-received by critics and audiences in performances around the country. The new streaming version was produced by the Playhouse’s Tony Award-winning team of Alexander Fraser, Robyn Goodman and Josh Fielder. Under the direction of Arden (Deaf West’s Spring Awakening and Once on This Island), the new film was shot in winter 2021 in an 18th century Bucks County stone barn. Ethan Noble served as video producer. Lighting designer was Adam Honoré. Music producer was Jackson Teeley. Anna Louizos was design consultant. The film was stage managed by Justin Scribner.
The Playhouse, 70 S. Main St. in New Hope, will celebrate the new film with a world premiere screening on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. The premiere includes an advanced screening of the film, along with live performances by Mientus and Ang. Arden will join the performers for a Q&A session with the audience.
The Ladies of the Canyon film will then become available OnDemand on StellarEvents.com for a limited period beginning Sunday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 27. There will be a special online viewing party hosted by the cast of the film. The date will be announced soon. Tickets are now on sale for both the live event and at-home streaming of the film. Details and tickets are available at BucksCountyPlayhouse.org and 215-862-2121.
