Avid theater-goers and music fans alike have the opportunity to step back in time with a lively and one-of-a-kind Beatles tribute concert and musical.
The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater.
“In My Life” is planned for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater. (Courtesy image)
“In My Life” chronicles The Beatles’ seemingly instantaneous rise from relative obscurity to super-stardom from the perspective of the band’s manager Brian Epstein.
Epstein has long been credited with being one of the major factors in the British pop-rock band’s success. He began to manage them in the early 60s and saw them through to success on the world stage before passing away in 1967.
Stage performer Alexander Jon will play the role of Epstein while popular Beatles tribute band, “Abbey Road” plays the part of The Beatles throughout the musical.
Members Gregory Wilmot (John), Chris Paul Overall (Paul), Jesse Wilder (George) and Axel Clarke (Ringo) will be joined by the Chaparral High School string quartet for three of the ballads.
The show is two hours and twenty minutes long and contains 33 songs that span the length of the Beatles’ musical career.
Each scene of the musical will take place in a different setting. Audience members will find themselves reliving some of the most pivotal moments in the band’s career — from their days at the Cavern Club in Liverpool to their recorded performance at Shea Stadium and other events.
“In My Life,” is different from other performances in that it strives to tell a more in-depth story of who The Beatles were, according to the show’s producer Andy Nagle.
“I think the average fan will learn things about The Beatles that they didn’t know because we did some extensive research and (put) a lot of things together,” Nagle said “And I think people will like it because it’s the first really different Beatles show since Beatlemania in the 1980s.”
Nagle added that the show has been an ongoing process throughout the years, as various tweaks and changes have been made to some of the roles. He said that he’s been pleasantly surprised with the audience and critical reception.
“We had (planned) a three-week run (for the show) and it sold out before we even opened the doors,” he said. “We added two more weeks and those sold out as well.”
Since its opening in 2007, the show has received positive reviews from the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times and San Diego Theater Review for its originality and energetic delivery.
Abbey Road drummer Axel Clarke believes that show’s success likely has something to do with the quality of the music The Beatles produced over the years. He also noted that he enjoys playing the music as much as the audience enjoys listening to it.
“When you’re playing the Beatles you know you’re playing something great,” Clarke said. “So in that sense, it’s a very rewarding experience.”
Old Town Temecula Community Theater is located at 42051 Main Street, Temecula.
Tickets are $37 each and can be purchased by visiting www.temeculatheater.org.
To learn more, call 866-653-8696.
Alex Groves is a local writer and new contributor to SWRNN.
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