It was 20 years ago today…no, 40 years…wait, almost 50 years?
Forget the math. What matters is that Sgt. Pepper did teach the band to play, and we’re still singing along.
That tuneful tradition continues with Beatlemania Again, a tribute show at the Bickford Theatre in Morris Township on Saturday, March 9, at 8 pm.
Dave, Alan, Tom and Richard become John, Paul, George and Ringo. We asked Richard Morello what it’s like portraying Richard Starkey, a.k.a. Ringo, and why four Liverpudlian mop-tops still rate a Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! in the 21st century.
MORRISTOWNGREEN.COM: For those who haven’t seen Beatlemania Again, tell us about the band. Who plays John, Paul, George and Ringo, and how long have they been at it?
RICH (RINGO) MORELLO: Beatlemania Again cast is as follows: Alan Leboeuf as Paul Mccartney, Dave Pal as John Lennon, Tom Godsman as George Harrison and myself as Ringo Starr. Beatlemania Again has been touring for 18 years and Alan Leboeuf is an original cast member from the Beatlemania run on Broadway in 1979.
MG: The other three Beatles were so prolific that Ringo’s contributions sometimes get overlooked. How important was Ringo to the band’s sound, and its chemistry? What insights about him have you gleaned from portraying him on stage? How do you rate him as a drummer?
RICH: Each track has its own drum sound, its own specific patterns, and he gives each song a special feel by adjusting his rhythms to suit the musical tone. His personality and style of drumming helped make the band. … You take any one member from that group, and you won’t have the Beatles. It’s a privilege and honor to portray Ringo in this show.
BEATLEMANIA AGAIN
March 9, 2013, at 8 pm
The Bickford Theatre
6 Normandy Heights Road
Morris Township
Admission: $25; $20 for Morris Museum members, seniors, students
(973) 971-3706
MG: Incredibly, next year will mark a half century since the Beatles appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” changing pop culture forever. Why has their popularity endured for so long?
RICH: The melodies, the lyrics and the messages in the songs.
MG: What are your earliest memories of the Beatles?
RICH: As a child I remember my parents playing Beatles 8-tracks in the car. The songs were very catchy and I remember looking forward to long trips listening to The Beatles.
MG: The Beatles–together and individually–are among the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Their images and sounds are ubiquitous. Paul and Ringo continue touring; Ringo played in Morristown last year. What challenges does this pose for anyone trying to portray them? How do you compete with the real thing, when they remain so fresh in our minds?
RICH: Nobody can compete with the real thing. With our show we do our best to relive the music, the magic and the mania live on stage.
MG: Beatles tribute bands have become a cottage industry. What sets apart Beatlemania Again from the rest?
RICH: A lot of the Beatle Tribute acts only perform the Beatles Early hits. The Beatlemania Again stage show chronologically traces The Beatles’ career from their debut on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, to The Beatles final live performance in 1969. In addition, our show features four costume changes throughout the performance.
MG: Which period is your favorite, and why? What is your favorite Beatles song, and why?
RICH: I personally like the Sgt . Pepper era because the music was changing and it was very different. My favorite Beatles song is Strawberry Fields Forever. Love the cellos in the song and the song production is amazing as well as the lyrics.
MG: How many shows a year do you play? What are some of the more unusual venues where you have performed? What is your typical audience–are they graying baby boomers, curious kids, or what? Is there a typical reaction that you get from crowds?
RICH: Beatlemania Again performs around 75 shows a year. Our audience ranges from young children to senior citizens. Everyone enjoys singing along to all the classic Beatles songs. Great audience responses to the shows! A few unusual venues we have performed over the years include: Performing on a small boat on the Charles River, swaying back and forth in choppy waters… also did a promotional event at a furniture store. That was a very interesting venue. All in all great fun!
MG: Arguably, the Beatles inspired more bands, both great and abysmal, than anyone else. Who are your favorite artists with links to the Beatles?
RICH: Badfinger and Billy Joel.
MG: There are very few Beatles songs I don’t like. “Mr. Moonlight” and “Yes It Is” come to mind… Any Beatles songs that make you cringe?
RICH: No , love them all.
MG: How will the Beatles be remembered a half-century from now?
RICH: I believe they will be remembered as the greatest rock and roll band to ever grace the planet.
