RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles Opens Tonight Oct. 4, 2011 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles

Broward Center for The Performing Arts Oct 4-16, 2011

If you're interested in taking a trip on the Yellow Submarine down to Strawberry Fields past Penny Lane on your way to Eleanor Rigby's house walking in the English rain make sure one of your stops is to see the show/concert RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Broadway Across America has brought this show to South Florida to open up the Broward Center's 2011 season, and what an opening it is. If you are a Beatle fan this is a must see performance. I saw this same touring troupe last year and I have to say I was not disappointed. From the moment the four lads (no, they're not from Liverpool) took the stage I was in rock'n'roll heaven. They wove their spell and took the audience on a Magical Mystery Tour beginning with the Beatles debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, through their psychedelic phase, ending with their swan song performances of Let It Be and Hey Jude.

The backdrop of the stage is a simple one: a large screen projects images re-accounting the headline news and actual Beatles footage of the designated time period. For those in the audience too young to remember or weren't born during the 1960's it's an interesting pseudo-history lesson. Flashes of Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Elvis and more all aides in documenting the 1960's and The Beatles rise to legendary rock band status. The visuals however never take away from the performances on the stage. RAIN may not be The Beatles but they're damn close. Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Steve Landes (John Lennon), Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr) and Joe Bithorn (George Harrison) have got all the moves, mannerisms, British accents and talent down of the original Fab Four. All the fellas in the band were at one point in time members of the legendary Beatlemania show. That alone should assure you they've honed their craft. Mark Beyer (maybe the 5^th Beatle?) is also along on keyboards and percussion.

RAIN is not merely a 'cover band.' In fact the show itself isn't really a Broadway show per say; there's no storyline or written dialogue. This show is more like a concert performance that a rock band would play. What the band RAIN has going for them is they have captured the true essence of the Beatles magic and are all excellent musicians in their own right. 2 ½ hours, over 30 songs (I didn't keep count), a handful of costume changes, amazing lighting; it is a treat for the senses. Not to boot an amazingly good time. The audience was on its feet for "Twist And Shout," clapping and singing along to "Get Back," and "Revolution." A great moment came during the third act as the members took center stage to play an acoustic set. We were treated to "Girl," "We Can Work It Out," "In My Life," "Blackbird," and a good ole fashioned country hoe-down version of "I've Just Seen A Face." As an audience member and Beatle fanatic I soaked it in with the rest of the sold-out crowd who ranged in age from children to grandparents. There wasn't anyone in this theater that left disappointed and weren't singing a Beatles tune as they left. I heard many mention they were coming back to see the show again because it was that good. "Revolution," sounded amazing with its screeching guitar, "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," was a crowd pleaser that had everyone pumped up ready to join Billy Shears and the band. "With A Little Help From My Friends," brought out a twinkle in everyone's kaleidoscope eyes. "Get Back," "A Day In The Life," "Come Together," "Yesterday," "Eleanor Rigby," and especially one of the most poinyent Beatles songs "The End" received some of the loudest applause of the evening. The highlights of the evening for me were Joey Curatolo putting down the bass and sitting behind the piano for "Let It Be," and of course the biggest sing along of all time "Hey Jude." And we did sing along, in tune as a matter of fact. There were so many great moments of this show it really is hard to narrow it down to a few. How can you take a lifetime of classic music, songs that everyone knows and loves and not have a blast? RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles is a wonderful show that you really must check out for yourself. It's a feel good retrospective, a journey through some of the most enduring music of any generation and a sing along with 2700 of your closest friends. I can't think of a better way to spend an evening.


Photo by Cylla Von Tiedemann

RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles, is live on stage Tuesday, October 4^th through Sunday, October 16^th, 2011. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and Sunday evenings at 7:30 PM. Matinee performances are all Saturdays and Sundays and Wednesday, October 12^th at 2:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $25.25 to $69.25 and are now on sale at the Broward Center Box Office Monday through Friday 10 AM-5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 Noon - 5 PM and 1 ½ hours prior to show times; or on-line at www.browardcenter.org; or by phone 954-462-0222. Groups of 10+ are invited to call 954-626-7814 or 954-462-0222.

www.raintribute.com