Rain on Broadway

       A weekend or two back, I was privileged enough to be able to see the current production of Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles on Broadway. The show, a roaring 2-hour tour through the musical career of one of the greatest bands in history, leaves little to be desired; Rain brings audiences to their feet, singing and dancing along to hits like Hey Jude, Twist and Shout, Strawberry Fields Forever, and many other tunes we all know and love so well.

     The show, unlike, for example, Jersey Boys (which features songs from a single group but uses them as a means to unravel the band's story), focuses strongly on the music of the Beatles, emphasizing the power of the song rather than the importance of the story. It does not suffer at all for this; in fact, it excels because of it. When in the audience at Rain, one is transported away from the theatre on 47th Street, and instead feels as though transported through time and space to watch John, Paul, George, and Ringo themselves perform.

The cast of Rain performs in the style of the Beatles'
memorable appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

     This is another area in which Rain shatters expectations, for from the opening number (which pays tribute to the Beatles' appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show) to the closing anthem, it's easy to forget that you're watching a band's salute to the Beatles rather than simply watching the Beatles. Never do the talented cast members break the illusion that is the likeness of the inimitable band from Liverpool, and yet at the same time never do they claim to be them, understanding the difference between portraying characters and respecting the memory of a truly groundbreaking group.

    Truly, too, they succeed in not only respecting, but lifting up, the image of the Beatles, letting the group's work shine in a way some of the songs performed never could with the actual band: live. The band didn't go on tour after 1966, and as such, fans never got the opportunity to hear them play any of the songs from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, The White Album, or Abbey Road live.  Thus, Die-hard Beatlemaniacs and those relatively unfamiliar with the group alike will enjoy a unique experience while hearing such songs as "Come Together," "Revolution 9," and "When I'm Sixty-Four" performed right before their eyes.  

     I highly recommend taking a trip to see Rain, whether you are a fan of the Beatles or just music in general. The concert feel of the show was unexpectedly gripping, and cast members Joey Curatolo (Paul), Joe Bithorn (George), Ralph Castelli (Ringo), and Steve Landes (John) are all absolutely fantastic both vocally and instrumentally, as each plays and sings onstage throughout the performance. The show not only excites, but warms the heart as well, reminding all present to enjoy life, and to give peace a chance.

"Rain" plays at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (pictured above) through September 4th, 2011. 
For more information, visit the show's official site here.