June 7, 2024

by Grace Wering, sophomore

In this month’s FHS Alumni Spotlight, we are highlighting Mary Bridget Davies from the class of 1996. Davies is an accomplished and award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress who has performed in Cleveland and throughout the world. 

Davies began her career singing in various locations throughout the Cleveland area. In 2005, she auditioned and won the role of Janis Joplin in a touring production of “Love, Janis,” the musical about the late singer's life. She has also performed with Jopin’s original band, “Big Brother and the Holding Company,”  across Europe and the U.S. She also formed her own band, The Mary Bridget Davies Group.

In 2012, Davies took over the lead role of Janis Joplin in “A Night With Janis Joplin.” After several performances across the U.S., it opened on Broadway in New York’s Lyceum Theatre in 2013. In 2014, Davies was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Joplin. The show later toured in Japan.

In 2023, Davies released a new live album, “Freedom of My Mind,” inspired by Virginia Woolf’s book “A Room of One’s Own”. This August, Davies will reprise her role in a London West End production of “A Night With Janis Joplin.”

What year did you graduate from Fairview High School?

I graduated from Fairview in 1996.

What groups, athletics, and clubs were you involved in during your time at school?

In high school, I played volleyball and was involved with acting, singing, dance,  Honors Choir, and Stagecrafters - which took up all my time after school every day during the week. I also needed to test in for the Baldwin Wallace camps where we then could do music school.

Who was your favorite teacher? Why? What was your favorite subject?

Obviously, I loved Mr. Sherlock because he taught honors English, and I loved those classes. He would always say, “Better never than late,” when I tried to turn something in. He held me accountable. I always said, ‘Do it once, do it right, and do it with class.’ I still use that in my life right now.”

Can you describe your journey after high school? College? Career? What do you do now?

I went to Kent State for my first year, and I performed terribly, so I came home. Then I went to Bowling Green and joined their program. Then I decided I wanted to be in a band now, and I didn't want to wait. 

I tried out for a show downtown and then made it. I was one of three women in the company and this was my start. With more encouragement, I believed that I was getting good at this and then went to different jam nights in Cleveland and got to see the sets. I was hired into my first band, and we placed in the International Blues Challenge. I also started teaching dance. This all led me to Janis Joplin now. We are leaving for London next month for a premiere.

What did you enjoy the most about Fairview or what is your favorite memory from your time at FHS?

I loved the courtyard here. It was so much fun because I was on the Drill Team, and we could all go here and dance and play the cadences. I had Mr. Cibulskas and he is still here now as well. It was a sparkling, shining part of my life. I loved it here and it gave me a feel of a private school.

What do you like to do in your spare time or for fun?

I love making food from scratch. I am known for it. I make soup here. My friends joke that I am like Rachel Ray.

Photo credit: Caitlin McNaney