The Keith Richards One Woman Show

Deanna Jones as Keith Richards. Photo by Ernest Harris Jr.

Deanna Jones’ The Keith Richards One Woman Show is an entertaining rundown of the epic life of Rock’n’Roll’s quintessential living legend. It’s a brilliant tribute to all things Keef that’s equal parts hilarious, touching, and bizarre—like the man himself.

We first meet Keith-obsessed protagonist Mona in her Stones’ paraphernalia-strewn room in the midst of an attempt to remain awake for nine days to match Keith’s ridiculous (alleged) record. On day eight, Mona comes across as crazed, yet somehow endearing, as she manically bets on Amazon for rare Stones bootlegs. Clutching her copy of Life, she’s extremely competitive about her encyclopedic knowledge of all things Keith, yet it’s hilariously unclear exactly who she’s competing with. Her sleep-deprived fragile mental state provides the jumping off point for a journey through space and time in which Mona visits several incarnations of Keith and the rag-tag cast of his famous supporting characters.

The play takes us on a whirlwind tour of Richards’ major musical influences and his life as understood in the popular imagination, from his days living in squalor in Edith Grove with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, to his 1979 court-ordered concert for the blind in Oshawa, Ontario. Jones is a gifted mimic, delivering consistently brilliant caricatures of all of the significant others in Keith’s life, from his beloved grandfather Gus, to his formidable longtime paramour Anita Pallenberg (no small feat). As one would expect, Mick Jagger is featured prominently, and Jones’ take on him as a pompous know-it-all wind-up doll had the audience in stitches. With a minimalist set and excellent live soundtrack by Kevin Attic Daddy Richardson as her only supports, the play is entirely dependent on Jones’ excellent impersonations of Keith, impeccable comedic timing, and uncanny ability to effortlessly switch between characters in a heartbeat. Seriously—she convincingly and hilariously reenacts Altamont all by herself. It’s impressive.

Full disclosure: I am a diehard Keith Richards fan, and it’s likely that at least an intermediate level knowledge of Stones mythology will enhance enjoyment of the play. When I spoke to Jones briefly following the show, she explained that it is a work in progress, and she tweaks the play slightly with each run. Despite its overall comedic tone, this particular incarnation was rather heavy on tragedy, touching upon the deaths of Brian Jones, Gram Parsons and in a particularly harrowing scene, Keith’s infant son Tara. The effect of these significant losses on Richards’ legendary singularity of purpose, resolve and world-weariness could perhaps be explored further. As it stands, Keith ultimately tells Mona: “I’ve lived my life in my own way, and I’m here because I’ve taken the trouble to find out who I am.” That’s what we love him so much for, anyway.

The Keith Richards One Woman Show runs until January 25 at Fixt Point Studio (1550 Queen Street W.). Visit suitcaseinpoint.com for more information.