The Global Film Village

Just Imagine, John Lennon performing New Year’s Eve

// December 23rd, 2009 // Stage Play

by Marla Lewin

Just Imagine, the show has been extended in Hollywood, through Janurary 3^rd, don’t miss it if you love the man and his music.  We sat next to a fan who brought his young teenage son, wearing Lennon glasses. There were other children also present who were getting their first chance to experience the “magic” of the Beatles live. It was a packed 99 seat theatre with an audience that believed that “All You Need is Love”  and for that night we could be back in those days.

Mickey Jones, the drummer, and actor,who played with Trini Lopez, and Bob Dylan, said it was his second time at the show.  The Beatles opened for Trini years ago in Paris in 1963 at the Olympia Theater.  The gig was for six nights a week, two shows a night and three on Saturday. Everyone got to know each other really well. Mickey remembered flying back to London with John.  This was when John was still married to Cynthia and before the Ed Sullivan show introduced the Beatles to America. Mickey felt he  was back there, watching John.

The star of Just Imagine is Tim Piper, who has also played the John Lennon role in the CBS Production, “The Linda McCartney Sotry, ‘E! Channels’s; ‘John Lennon Story,’ ‘Beatles Wives,’ and most recently as the singing voice of John Lennon for the NBC Movie of the Week, “In His Life-The John Lennon Story”.  Tim Piper performs with his band, Working Class Hero, which includes Pipers’ brother Greg, also the musical director (electric bass); Don Butler, (lead guitar); Morley Bartnoff (keyboardist; and Don Poncher (drums).

Tim shares John’s life story, interspersed with video clips and song performances. He envelops the audience into the belief that he is John, and you are hearing his inner most thoughts and feelings about his life and loves.  It is a transformational and healing experience to look into his eyes,  hear his Voice, and listen to so many of his wonderful songs.

The other musicians; add to the mix splendidly. This is a show that people respond to with their hearts.  Children of all ages were swaying in their seats. The adults were reminiscing of a time of innocence, and when our collective identity allowed us to unite to “Give Peace A Chance”. We were transported from their earliest days in LIverpool and Hamburg to the Ed Sullivan show with “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” to the final days of Double Fantasy’s, “Imagine.”

The New Year’s Eve show will be special, Champagne and hors d’ouevres will be served at 8pm. At 8:30, there will be a screening of a short doc, “Strawberry Field 2000,” chronicling Tim Piper’s trip to NY to perform in Lennon’s memory, 20 years after his passing. Then the full show will be performed. What a magical way to experience the birth of a new year with old songs, memories and friends.

The theatre has been packed for this show and it should do well touring anywhere their are John Lennon and Beatle fans, including Broadway.

Directed by Steven Altman.

Executive Producers: Philip Wegener, Producers: Chris Barrett and Sarabeth Schedeen.

Presented by Nonnel Productions.

At:     The Noho Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. 91601.

Reservations(:866) 811-4111 (Theatermania). Online:  http://www.justimaginetheshow.com