Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/6609
10 LIVEMAGS.NET FEBRUARY>>10 The last time anyone saw the Beatles on tour was 1966 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. For many original Beatlemanics, their absence on the road created a void that remained empty right up until the time they disbanded in 1970. It's a void that the members of Rain- A Tribute to the Beatles strive to fill every night they walk on stage. But in a new decade when we've managed to cull every scrap of live footage, music and history about this seminal English band, some might question the importance of a tribute band that continues to tour together for over 20 years (longer than the Beatles were actually together). What keeps a show like this relevant for so long? More than just the jaw-dropping renditions or note- for note accuracy, the members of Rain perform as if they are inhabited by the aura, personalities and sound of the Fab Four (accents included). Surrounded by a multi-faceted, multi-media stage production, Rain plays a satisfying mix of hits, B-sides, rarities and the later material never performed live by the original band. As they prepare to descend on the Orange County Performing Arts Center in March, the members of this world-class tribute band revel in another magical opportunity to be part of the Beatles continued legacy. Despite the fact that they claim to be the first (and some would say "the best") Beatles tribute band, there are no shortage of mop top sound-a-likes who've formed since Rain (originally spelled "Reign") was founded by keyboardist Mark Lewis in the mid 70s. Those who haven't experienced their show before might wonder what gives Rain the edge over dozens of worthy Beatles tributes around the country. Even though long-time members Steve Landes (John Lennon), Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr) and additional keyboard and percussionist Mark Lewis are all powerful performers, their presence is magnified INFO Orange County Performing Arts Center 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 556-2787 | www.ocpac.org RAIN OCPAC PRESEnTS T I C K E T S O N S A L E N O W ! ! MAR 23 - MAR 28, 2010 TickeTs $20 And up A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES by what has become known as the "Beatles Experience". It comes layered with everything from elaborate and authentic costume changes to brilliant light shows and the raw footage of concerts, interviews and commercials from the 60s. It all culminates in a Broadway-quality show that highlights the emotion and imagination of every song in Rain's repertoire (which includes around a little less than 200 songs). The other element that helps distinguish this production is the depth and breadth of the bands portrayal of the Beatles. The show covers their first taste of major crossover stardom on the Ed Sullivan Show, right on through the magic of legendary album Abbey Roa, to the days of Sgt. Pepper, shaggy hair and late 60s psychedelics. For a band as well documented and researched as the Beatles, fans who expect dead-on portrayals of John, Paul, George and Ringo will most likely not be disappointed. Curatolo (a native new Yorker) throws on the English tone and charm of McCartney; Bithord wows you with the trademark Harrison guitar twang; Castelli bops along on drums' and Landes brings it home as an uncanny carbon copy of Lennon, right down to the wry wit. For an ever-expanding world of Beatles fans, Rain gives people a second (usually a first) chance to see a band that forever changed the landscape of pop music and rock'n'roll. It's more about sharing the songs than just performing them. For the members of Rain, who've been mega fans of the Beatles most of their lives, it's a chance to celebrate their legendary images and sound in a way that a piece of old footage or a "Best Of" album can never duplicate. It offers the ability to watch the music unfold before your eyes. Amidst the artistic background ornamentation and theatrics, the production elevates the spirit and energy of what you are seeing. Gathered in the darkness of Segerstrom Hall's 3,000-seat venue, Orange County's Beatlemanics will feel the energy and the authenticity from the group, along with the dedication and appreciation it takes to keep the production going. And in that respect, you'll find it hard not to walk out of the show without picking your favorite moments. As the last song roars to a close, we're certain that most people in the audience will have fallen for Rain. Writer>>NATE JACKSON