At the height of the Christmas season, weeks before 2024 arrived, music theater production company Six String Society held their 27 club show. Starring a number of talented singers, who each play the roles of beloved musicians who passed at age 27, the show was held at Oceanside’s Star Theater in California.

As the audience took their seats, keyboardist Robert Parker played solo onstage. His gentle melodies ranged from Elton John, Debussy’s ‘Claire De Lune,’ and classic Christmas songs. Parker was deeply charming, and would tip his hat to the crowd in response to their applause, each time he finished a song.

Before the show began, Kenneth Rexrode, creator of Six String Society, thanked everyone for being there. He asked who was seeing the show for the first time and received a great response from the audience. It was apparent how overwhelmingly gracious he was towards the audience for supporting local live music. Rexrode thanked the sound engineer, lighting, the cast themselves, and jokingly praised his contributions.

Gratitude was extended towards the Star Theater Company, for allowing the production to be held there.

Rexrode mentioned that Six String Society has never had the same cast twice. The songs chosen are different every year, with up to 20 shows performed. Three new cast members were debuting, with Rexrode’s niece acting as the co-host. He expressed how nice it was to have family members there.

One performer, Robin Henkel, has been a part of 19 of these productions, and portrays the spirit of Robert Johnson. Whitney Shay, who plays Amy Winehouse, has been a part of all 20 shows. Rexrode expressed how Shay never misses a show, with her band being the rhythm section. Kind words were also shared for Anthony Aquarius as Jimmy Hendrix, Austin David as Kurt Cobain, Lauren Leigh as Janice Joplin, and Liam Croome as Jim Morrison.

A narrator speaks overhead, presenting the audience with a question; what is the 27 Club all about? He says that it’s a bit dark, a club with no initial fees or monthly dues. One you can join but never quit. The only currency it accepts comes in the form of one’s life. The story begins on Aug. 15, 1938, which marks Robert Johnson’s passing. For 20 years, his death went fairly unnoticed, but change was imminent.

As the narrative goes, the 27 Club would be adding several new members within the next few years, i.e Hendrix, Joplin, and Morrison, following their abrupt passing. However, the story of the 27 Club couldn’t be told without examining its founding father, Johnson. Born in May of 1911, and from Mississippi, Johnson wanted nothing more than to be a great performer, even since he was a child. However, he was disgraced by fellow musicians for being an average player, and left town for a year.

When Johnson returned, everyone was gobsmacked to hear of his newfound abilities, including playing the guitar, writing lyrics, and singing. Word of his undeniable skill set would travel across Mississippi, and turn into legend. It was said he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads near Dockery Plantation. Legend has it that the devil took Johnson’s guitar, tuned it, played a handful of songs, then returned it. Through this, he was granted the ability to play the blues, and would obtain fame for his musicality.

It took 20 years for his talent to be discovered. Not until his compilation album, “King of the Delta Blue Singers.” Musicians like Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones, each praised his work. However, Johnson was drawn to whiskey and women, and the actions of a vindictive husband would result in Johnson’s downfall. Said husband poisoned Johnson’s drink, causing him to die three days afterwards, while lying in his bunkhouse. The narration transitioned into Henkel playing onstage.

Henkel was the first musician to properly kick off the show, and played beneath a singular spotlight. The stage was submerged in deep blue, mirroring the song Henkel was singing, “Walking Blues.” He tapped his foot, played his guitar, and sang in a voice bursting with character. Henkel also performed “I’ve Had My Fun If I Don’t Get Well No More,” and “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter.”

The narration resumed, educating the audience that another member was joining the infamous club. At the height of the 60s, many of the 27 club members were flourishing, free to go wild. People would wonder why so many of these musicians passed away so young, debating if they each had common threads that wove them together. Every club member was brilliant, of humble origins, setting off to find something more within their early twenties. The narrator proposed a hypothetical, wondering if each of them had discovered their own crossroads along the way, or made a pact with the devil just like Johnson did.

Considering the traits these musicians shared, many wondered if there was ever a time where they got together. This show is a product of collective imagination, envisioning a scenario where it did. A story that has never been told, that takes place Aug. 14, 1969 in Greenwich Village, NYC, before Woodstock. The curtains pulled back, revealing a set depicting a sitting room adorned in many festive decorations. Hosting the production was Josh Weinstein, who also played keyboard, and Hadley Durkee.

Morrion, portrayed by Croome, was the first guest to knock on the door. After being invited inside, he began by singing “Love Me Two Times.” He addressed the audience, asking how Oceanside was feeling. Croome successfully embodied Morrison’s lethargic demeanor, and seamlessly transitioned into singing “Light My Fire.” The musicians playing behind him each had a solo during the instrumental. Those who played included guitarist Joe Amado, bassist Jodie Hill, and Phil Pardell on the drumset.

While in-character, Croome dedicated “Break On Through,” to a friend that he did acid with in the desert. For fans of these 27 club members, the show was chock-full with references to said musicians careers and often elicited excited cheering from the audience. Croome, still in character, asked if anyone out there was as high as he was. He followed his question up with “doubt it.” After concluding his segment of the show with “LA Woman,” Croome was treated to a standing ovation. Afterwards, there was a knock at the door.

Aquarius, portraying Jimmy Hendrix, stepped in, claiming that he heard about this gathering through the grapevine. While attired in hippy, psychedelic attire, that was befitting of Hendrix’s aesthetic, he started off by playing “Purple Haze.” His skills on the guitar were simply incredible. While performing “Little Wing,” he even tossed the guitar over his shoulder, and continued to strum without missing a beat. His segment eased into “Red House,” before concluding with adoring applause. Another guest had arrived.

Shay as Amy Winehouse graced the stage, beginning with “Valerie,” which was quickly followed up by “Stronger Than Me.” Of all the musicians to perform, her segment heavily emphasized the inclusion of the saxophonists. Similarly to everyone else, happy glances were shared between the band and singer. Shay’s vocals were impressively strong, especially during “Tears Dry On Their Own.” Her conclusive piece, “Rehab,” involved audience participation, something of which the crowd eagerly responded to.

Cobain, played by David, was an act that the audience went completely wild for. He played a number of songs from Nirvana’s lineup, including “Breed,” “In Bloom,” and “Heart Shaped Box.” The sound of his eclectic guitar engulfed the theater, practically shaking it. Humorously, he claimed that the last song he would sing was a rare B-side, but it was “Smells like Teen Spirit.” While the audience members danced like it was no one’s business, Cobain was practically destroying his guitar by the end of his segment.

Joplin, portrayed by Leigh, was the last member to arrive, taking a swig from her drink. She claimed she was there for the after party. The previous acts, who had remained seated towards the side of the stage on a couch, claimed it was a full house. She started by singing “Piece Of My Heart,” and transitioned into “Me and Bobby McGee.” Leigh was committed to conveying Joplin’s energy by using all the stage, and tossing her shoes off. She passed the bottle, before finishing with “Move Over,” and “Ball and Chain.”

The grand finale, performed by everyone, was a cover of “Crossroads” originally written by Johnson.

Six String Society’s upcoming production, “Back to Paris” will be occurring on Jan. 27. Tickets for said show, as well as information regarding their work, can be found at https://www.thesixstringsociety.com/.

By Ava Sarnowski / BackStage360