Imagine Review – A Beatles Celebration at Stage Door Theater

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“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make’

 

MARGATE, FL: The World Premiere of Imagine – A Beatles Celebration, created by award-winning director/choreographer Kevin Black, opened at Stage Door Theatre on February 2nd and run through March 11th.  Black, the creator of numerous Stage Door hits, such as The Soul of Motor City, Swing! Swing! Swing! and What’s New Pussycat? has taken the music we all remember by the band that changed the face of music, and put his own inimitable spin on it.

Going in, I had no idea whether I would be sitting through hundreds of Beatles songs (all of which I LOVE), or I was going to experience incredible singers and actors performing these timeless hits.  I hit the jackpot!  I got an experience I won’t soon forget.

The “Imagine Group”

Six of the most talented men and women not only took on songs that are normally untouchable by anyone by Paul, John, Ringo and George and turned this event into a musical gift for everyone in the audience to enjoy.  These voices were not your run-in-the-mill pretend Beatles.  They were talented, they made the songs come to life by their personalities, their individual voices and harmony, and their style of delivery made this performance a one-of-a-kind.  I’ve seen so many Beatles sound-alikes and look-alikes, but this, my friends, is quite different.

 

There was a comradery amongst these performers that permeated the theatre throughout the performance.  One comment I do have is that Act 1 was great. But, Act 11 was a total treat.  The kids (and I have to call them kids since I go back as far as their grandparents), really pulled it all together – got into the audience, got us clapping, singing, whistling and brought the excitement to its highest level with a well-deserved standing ovation.

Even if you don’t know the words to Beatle songs (really???!!) or, like me, you know every single word to every single song ever written since the beginning of Beatle time, this show will entertain you and you will have the opportunity to hear 6 very special voices that work incredibly well together and as soloists.  And I must give nods to the sound crew.  They rocked!

 

The Beatles left a permanent mark in history with their vast songbook of now timeless classics.  Imagine honors their incredible legacy with a joyous celebration of these legendary musical innovators. More than 24 Beatles tunes are included in the production: “Twist and Shout”, “I Saw Her Standing There”, “Hard Day’s Night”, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely-Hearts Club Band”, “Blackbird”, “Day Tripper”, “Let It Be”, and Hey Jude”, are just a few of the iconic songs that will be interpreted by a cast of five talented singers and a live three-piece band.

 

‘You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.”  “This message by John Lennon, was the engine that drove me to create Imagine,” Kevin Black explains. “John, Paul, George, and Ringo sang about what we felt, what we thought, what we hoped to do, and how love could change every one of us. The world was fun with them in it!

“Creating this show has become a unique challenge – there are so many great tunes to choose from,” he continues. “I mean this could easily be a three act show with all the material!  Imagine presents these timeless classics in new and refreshing forms; my overall goal is to present an evening of great music with a message of hope and peace for the future.”

 

Black has chosen Charrise Shields, Cameron Jordan, Rio Peterson, Jordana Forrest, and Mario Castro to interpret the music that shaped and influenced so many lives and in some cases, musical careers.  They are backed by pianist Sarah Statler, who most recently wowed audiences with both her musical prowess and strong vocals in Black’s Tickling the Ivories.  She is joined by percussionist Roy Fantel, and guitarist/bassist Rupert Ziawinski.

The Musical Director for Imagine is Ben Bagby and the Assistant Musical Director is Sarah Statler. The show’s Set Design is by Stage Door Scenic Design and Kevin Black. Lighting is by Ardean Landhuis, and Costume Design is by Jerry Sturdefant.  Joes-Luis Ramos is the production’s Stage Manager.

Photos: Courtesy of Stage Door Theatre

Imagine – A Beatles Celebration
February 2 – March 11, 2018
Conceived, directed, and choreographed by Kevin Black
Tickets:  $48
Tickets:  954-344-7765 / stagedoorfl website
Showtimes:
Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 pm,
Friday & Saturday at 8 pm
Stage Door Theatre
8036 W Sample Rd
Margate, FL 33065
www.stagedoorfl.org
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