Long before Justin Bieber was even a thought there were four mop topped lads from Liverpool, England who set the pop music world ablaze. They called themselves the Beatles and from the 1960’s through much of 1970’s they set many if not most of the trends and fashions of pop music. Their unique sound, harmony and style remain a significant influence in music and has garnered for the Beatles a four generation deep fan base.
It is no surprise then that the world’s most renowned Beatles tribute band, RAIN draws audiences from just above toddler to paramedics standing by. And that audience is now being electrified once again at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood now through April 17th, 2011.
RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles is a glorious magic carpet ride through sight and sound, time and space. It begins as at began way back when the Beatles arrived in New York City to a cheering crowd of tens of thousands of deeply enthusiastic fans. On stage we see the Beatles appear inside an old fashioned TV set on the Ed Sullivan Show. And then the show rocks on through the several transitions of the Beatles, from young pop stars, through a more serious expression and then a psychedelic trip through the hippie world leading to an effort to get back to where they once belonged.
Adding meaning and depth along the way are video clips of the major events of the day and sound bites from several Beatle’s interviews. For me and other geezers seeing yet again that indelible image of the young John Kennedy and his beautiful bride Jacqueline riding, smiling, through the streets of Dallas for a date with the brutal end of JFK’s life stirred old but never to be forgotten memories. For those younger folks it was and is a brief and important review of history. And it is a valid and poignant back drop to the music of the Beatle’s.
But mainly it is the band and they are truly phenomenal. Joey Curatolo as Paul McCartney is simply brilliant and utterly believable. This Brooklyn born natural talent came to RAIN through the touring group of the Broadway hit Beatlemania. Steve Landes in his role as John Lennon is so spot on you expect to see Yoko Ono rush on stage and give him a hug. He is a life long and second generation Beatle’s fan and by the young age of 17 found himself touring the world in Beatlemania. Joe Bithorn, another New Yorker and natural musician is George Harrison in RAIN. He too toured with Beatlemania but joined RAIN way back in 1983. Rounding out the reconstituted “Fab Four” is Ralph Castelli as Ringo Starr. Ralph is a native of southern California and a genuine Starr drummer. He was deeply inspired by actually watching Ringo on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Mark Beyer, is not so much in the spotlight during the performance but he is certainly heard with his magical keyboard renderings. Mark is well known for his amazing keyboard mastery. When taken all together this is RAIN and RAIN is the Beatles, at least for a little over two hours at the Pantages.
Experiencing this stunning performance at the Pantages is like getting a rush of joy, love and happiness all over again. For those of us who grew up in the Beatle’s generation it is a moving reminder of mostly happy memories from times long past. For the more youthful crowd it is possibly a first introduction to a musical phenomenon that remains strong, vibrant and totally enjoyable today for the plain and simple reason that it is truly awe inspiring, relevant and of superb merit. The music of the Beatle’s is genuinely the anthem for a generation and RAIN is a perfect tribute. Do not miss this show. It is only here now through April 17th. You may make your reservation by calling 1-800-982-2787. DO NOT HESITATE. Sadly it is a short run and the tickets are selling faster than a politician breaking a promise. I assure you that you will never forget the experience of RAIN. It really is that good. So let’s come together for an evening with RAIN at the Pantages.
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