Its RAIN ing in here

Well, here is one review that I am happy to write.

Dawn and I are big Beatles fans, I guess you can tell that from previous reviews. We have seen 1964 the tribute and the Fab Faux both several times and have given them both positive marks for their performances, along with the British Invasion Tribute. Each one being unique in their own way. For example, 1964 concentrates on the early group complete with costumes. The Fab Faux concentrate on exact duplication of the music with no costumes. The British Invasion covers not only the Beatles but all the British bands along with their American counterparts, capping off their show with a full album side of a Beatles set. RAIN is a combination of the two complete with multimedia presentation.

Until this past Sunday (thanks Danny got us out of a Superbowl party), my favorite was the Fab Faux because we know Will. Second would be the British Invasion as we know the entire band and they are all great guys. But after seeing RAIN on Sunday, I have to give the tribute award to them.

They put on such a great multimedia presentation of the 4 lads from Liverpool, that the audience is swept into a time tunnel back to the 1960's. Along with the giant displays showing the Beatlemania affected youth of the times, they come out dressed in garb duplicating the Ed Sullivan show clothes, the Sgt Pepper era clothes, the Abbey Road period clothes, and have all the instruments to match. Kudos to the production team that found all the old TV footage, especially the ridiculous commercials I remember seeing as a child. Who remembers DUZ laundry soap and their free stockings, and Fred and Barney hiding from Wilma and Betty hawking WINSTON smokes??? I had forgotten them both and all the other great visuals playing with my memories, and taking me back to a time when I had no cares, or responsibilities.

Being a musician, I am always mindful of the performance of the artist, and in this case I have to admit that these guys are more than consummate musicians with the ability to pull it off. The attention to detail in mannerisms and language is uncanny. From Ringo's floppy head to George's mini skiffle, this group of actors is top notch. As for musicianship, they are second only to the Fab Faux, in my opinion. Mark Beyer is a great add for a copy of Billy Preston and provides keyboard accompaniment when required in all the right places. Ralph must have spent months perfecting his Ringo head flops, and Joe the same on George's dancing while playing lead. Steve has just the right percentage of comedy to take on John and Joey's version of Paul is perfect. Musically, this group is as tight as the original 4 lads were on record, and when closing your eyes, you can just transport to a time and space of comfort and relaxation allowing you to immerse yourself in the thrill of BEATLEMANIA.

My hat is tipped to the band of merriment and nostalgia in helping Dawn and I to, if even so briefly, to relive a part of out lives that was special and meaning full. I strongly recommend if you havent seen the show, that when you can DONT MISS IT.