“Backbeat” currently at the Ahmanson Theatre, is a dramatic musical about the birth of “The Beatles” and to my surprise I discovered that the “Fab Four” started out with five musicians.
“Backbeat” currently at the Ahmanson Theatre, is a dramatic musical about the birth of “The Beatles” and to my surprise I discovered that the “Fab Four” started out with five musicians.
The young Liverpool lads got their first big break in several clubs, not in England, but in Hamburg’s Reeperbahn. They were booked by Bruno Koschmider, a fairground showman and WWII veteran whose Reeperbahn nightclubs were former strip clubs frequented by prostitutes and their johns. The teens played six to eight hour sessions in return for as much beer as they could drink, pocket change and filthy lodging behind the Bambi Kino movie theater, but at the time the soon-to-be Beatles were eager teenagers ready for any and all challenges.
The core quartet consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, a 17-year-old George Harrison and Stuart Sutcliffe, an art school pal of Lennon.
In 1960 the boys head for Germany in a van, posing as vacationing students since they didn’t have required work permits. Before leaving Liverpool they hastily recruit drummer, Pete Best who is eventually replaced by Ringo Star just before their careers skyrocket off the charts. (Pete Best’s story could also be the subject of yet another Beatle musical about their early years.)
The backstory in “Backbeat” revolves mainly around the friendship between Stuart Sutcliffe (Nick Blood) and the fiery, outspoken Lennon (Andrew Knott). Lennon is determined to have Stuart join the group and teaches him the basics of simple guitar playing. When they get to Germany things become complicated. Soon Sutcliffe finds himself torn between his commitment to the band and his love for painting after he meets artist Astrid Kirchherr (Leanne Best).
The two are drawn to one another and eventually she begs him to leave the group and pursue a career in painting, not music. In her eyes he is a true artist. Astrid, while a disruptive force on one level, is also responsible for creating the eventual “Fab Four” look and bobbed hairstyle.
Note: Before the play begins, check out your playbook and take a look at the “Timeline” information on the Beatles which is most helpful in getting a perspective on their birthdates and career high points starting in 1940, the year Sutcliffe, Ringo and John are born and ending in 1970 when McCartney publicly quits and “Let It Be” is released.
Another reminder, do not leave during the curtain call as many did on opening night because after their curtain call the Beatles cast performs a mini concert of early Beatle song hits not used in the show itself. The music in “Backbeat” is predominantly American rock songs from the era that the teenagers performed with their own twist while working in German clubs.
Paul (Daniel Healy), George (Daniel Westwick), Ringo (Tony Sheridan). Pete Best (Ovier Bennett) and John (Andrew Knott) round out the cast in the post curtain call finale concert which should not be missed.
“Backbeat” runs through March 1 at the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave. in downtown Los Angeles. For tickets call 213-628-2772, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or purchase in person at the box office.
***
Noel Coward, noted for his debonair, sophisticated and wildly witty comedies, wrote “Fallen Angels” in 1925, a play considered truly risqué in its day. Now “Fallen Angels” is regaling audiences at the Pasadena Playhouse. The Playhouse has a long history with Noel Coward that dates back to 1926 when they first presented “Hay Fever.” Countless other Noel Coward plays have graced the Playhouse stage ever since.
“Fallen Angeles” is set in the dining-drawing room of Fred (Mike Ryan) and Julia Sterroll (Pamela J. Gray) in the mid 1920s. It begins over breakfast as Julia tells her husband she loves him, but is not in love, which is fine with him. After all, what’s the difference.
This is also the case with Julia’s best friend Jane (Katie MacNichol) who is married to Willy Banbury (Loren Lester). Shortly after Fred and Willy leave for an out-of-town golf game Jane arrives at Julia’s flat, informing her that the French lover they both shared before they each married is in London.
“What should they do?” Jane asks breathlessly. As they debate, they dine and over indulge in spirits till they become high spirited themselves and totally tipsy. How this all happens is a highpoint of the play. Adding to the mad-cap romp is Saunders (Mary-Pat Green), the new maid Julia has hired. Saunders is a talkative know-it-all who really does know a lot and can play the piano better than Julia. She also can whip up the perfect hangover cure.
Will the gals give in and go off with Maurice Duclos (Elijah Alexander) if and when he shows up at their door? Or will they stay true to their hubbies? This is the driving force of the play.
Coward had a way of writing marvelous comedy roles for women and the three ladies in the Pasadena Playhouse production still steal the show. The physical comedy between Julia and Jane in Coward’s 1925 rollicking, risqué romp years ago was the precursor to female comedy duos like Lucy and Ethel and Laverne and Shirley. The gay and light-hearted playwright allowed actresses to let loose and get hilariously physical as they cavorted on stage. The Coward style, thankfully, still continues today.
“Fallen Angeles” runs through Feb. 24 at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 South El Molino Ave. in Pasadena. For tickets call 626-356 -7529 or purchase at the Box office. On line go to www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org.
