Faux Fab Four
by Martin Brady
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The phenomenon of Beatles impersonators goes back at least as far as the late ’70s and the stage show Beatlemania, which ran on Broadway and later internationally before legal threats from Apple crushed the enterprise in 1983. But that only fanned the flames of further tribute, with many cast members scattering into other ensembles who gladly paid licensing fees for the songs. Reportedly, about 50 major Beatles tribute bands are still magical-mystery touring, but Rain—four of whom are Beatlemania vets—seem to have cornered the market, thanks in no small part to a PBS special. If you actually remember the Fab Four firsthand, Rain’s vocals and faux Liverpudlian between-song chatter may strike you as painfully twee. But the lads can play their instruments for sure, and they impressively rip through dozens of the moptops’ very best songs, virtually note for note (and in the original keys!). There are five different scene and costume changes—capturing the band’s major musical periods—and a wealth of nostalgia-driven multimedia effects.
Fri., Nov. 14, 8 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 15, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 16, 1 & 6:30 p.m., 2008
Fri., Nov. 14, 8 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 15, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 16, 1 & 6:30 p.m., 2008
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