"Lennon" Shines on in New Musical

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"Lennon" Shines on in New Musical

Date Created: Jul 17, 2005, 07:01 PM

A vibrant new musical featuring the words, the life, and the music of John Lennon has started previews on Broadway this week. As a longtime fan of The Beatles and of Lennon's music, I wanted to attend this show as soon as I'd heard about it, and got a chance to sit in on a preview performance this weekend. I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on the show I attended, although I understand some tweaking is being done on it daily in order to prepare it for it's official opening next month.

"Lennon the musical " is of course, the life story of John Lennon, played live on stage by not one, not two... but nine... that's right, his favorite number...9... different actors and...actresses, of all ages and complexions. "We are all One", Lennon used to exclaim, so the producers have found an interesting way in which to present a biography of one person, by presenting it through the physical manifestations of several people. And the concept works quite brilliantly. Real life events are enacted quickly, as the "Lennons" take turns in telling the tale of the little Liverpudlian boy who grew to be the worlds biggest superstar, before his life took a tragic turn.

Starting off with a somber image of the Space Shuttle Columbia as it's crew soared into space while playing the Lennon classic, "Imagine", the story then flashes back, quickly scurrying through his tough youth, hastily tromping through the Beatles era, and then slows down enough to find its roots in the story of Lennon they want to tell. This is the Beatle, who, in a quest for finding "Inner Truth", goes from one extreme to the next, in a lifetime that spans merely forty years. The musical makes it clear that it was his bonding with Yoko Ono (who has authorised the production), that provided him with the direction and sense of self that he was seeking.

Like his counterparts on stage, the real Lennon rarely sit still, making music with the band he formed, making odd statements to the press, and trying to start a pacifist revolution against the Vietnam War. As Act One comes to a close with an invigorating version of "Give Peace a Chance" it was hard to hold back the tears . You realize that this great superstar and idealistic thinker was destined for a future far worse than he could ever have imagined.

The performers do an amazing job of presenting not only his life, but his music. The energetic and occasionally frenetic performers belt out numbers, many familiar, some not so familiar to those who didn't follow John's post Beatles career, as if they were singing on "American Idol". The music feels modern, often peppy or sad, but never dull or uninspired. I was rocking along the whole way through, particularly through Act Two, in which Lennon moves to New York, gets involved with the wrong crowd, and eventually gets unwanted attention from the Government who wishes to deport him. After winning his fight to stay in the country, after battling his ego, separation from Yoko, and eventually finding himself, he decides to become a househusband, presented here through the lovely strains of "Beautiful Boy", upon the birth of his son Sean.

The set is a rock stage, in which the actors pull up props, or just perform on. Projections of the real John Lennon and his life are constantly changing behind him. The performers, many of whom I have enjoyed in other productions (such as Terrance Mann, Mandy Gonzalez, and Will Chase) do an amazing job of making it seem as if John has channeled them to tell the story of his life. This was one of the few shows I've seen in a long time for which I wanted to buy tickets to see again before it was even over.

This production, though lovingly produced, has a rocky road ahead. Ticket sales are slow, partially due to the summer slump. Partially because people might not understand what is being attempted here. This is a slightly avant-garde pop piece about a man who many people don't even know about, and some don't even care about. So it's going to be a tough sell. The performers are belting their hearts out, particularly the women and non-white actors, but is the message clear enough? Too tough to tell.

Many people might go in thinking this is a Beatles concert. No, there are no actual Beatles songs used in the show. The Beatles era is dealt with quickly with a two songs, "Twist and Shout" and "Money" -- both of which are performed by the Women of the group!!! The majority of the music draws from John's solo career, which featured many personal, introspective songs that reflect beautifully on the story being told, but might confuse those who just happen to be in New York for a show. I overheard a woman behind me saying, " Did she have the baby, yet?", when they presented the "Yoko" character singing a song about losing John. If she'd been listening, she'd have known the answer to that question.

This is not a show for the casual viewer. You have to be into it at some level. I, as a fan of the music, as well as eing highly familiar with the story, found it moving, exciting, fun, and thrilling. J., who's not a fan of the Beatles, and who never heard a Lennon tune at all before, enjoyed it as well, which shows that the musical can work to affect the audience properly. The question is the timing.

Is this the time or place? This fall marks Lennon's 65th birthday, as well as the 25th anniversary of his passing. Perhaps they should have waited to bring attention to it then. Or perhaps the word of mouth will spread.
In any event, as long as I get the chance to, I plan to go see "Lennon" again after it officially opens August 4th.

For more on the show, visit the official website:
"Lennon the Musical.com"