Abbey Road's CHRISTMAS WITH THE BEATLES Comes to The Grove Theatre, 12/13

The Grove Theatre invites you to enjoy Abbey Road's Christmas with the Beatles on December 13th at 7:00 pm.

So much has been written about the Beatles that it's difficult to discuss their career without restating clichés that have already been digested by tens of millions of rock fans. But one often ignored facet of their fascinating story is their annual Christmas records, which were composed of holiday carols, skits, jokes, and thanks to the loyal "Beatle people". Renowned tribute band, Abbey Road, recreates the recordings of the seven Christmas records in a show which features 22 Beatles hits and eight Beatlesque holiday standards. The live musical, which is narrated by an actress portraying Beatles fan club president, Freda Kelly, performs December 18 - 20 at the Covina Center for the Performing Arts.

Conceived as a means to appease fan club members whose letters, due to their sheer volume, were not always being answered in a timely manner, the first few Christmas records were written as scripts, but it's the lads' ad-libs that make them so interesting. The records give a glimpse into the boys' Monty Python-esque humor, which was a key ingredient in the band's incredible success and popularity "I'd love to reply personally to everyone," says Lennon in the 1963 message, "but I just haven't enough pens."

Recorded every year from l963 and ending a few months before the band broke up in 1970, the records started when "Beatlemania" began in the U.K. The first message was intended to make their most loyal fans feel appreciated. Like those that followed, the 1963 message was mailed as a paper-thin vinyl "flexi disc" to members of the Beatles fan club. The recording features the Beatles' trademark wit and whimsy, with a chorus of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Ringo".

Usually done after a regular recording session in the studio, the records give a unique perspective of the evolution of the most popular band in the world. "Christmas with the Beatles featuring Abbey Road" is a musical retelling of the seven recording sessions which is accompanied by audio visual images. The Abbey Road band performs three hits from each album which was being recorded at the time of the making of each Christmas record as well as some of the zany banter and Christmas songs sung by the Beatles.

With their tight harmonies, flawless note for note renditions of Beatles hits, custom-tailored costumes, vintage instruments, Liverpudlian dialect and precise attention to every detail, Abbey Road has honed their show to become one of the most musically and visually satisfying Beatle tribute acts in the world.

Three costume changes cover the full range of the Beatle experience and beyond, with authentic early black Beatle suits, Sgt. Pepper's regalia and Abbey Road attire. Hear the piccolo trumpet solo on Penny Lane and the full orchestration of A Day in the Life. Relive the emotional intensity of Paul's moving Yesterday solo, as well as the high energy of stadium songs like Twist and Shout and other Beatle hits.

The band performed a three month run at the Harrah's Reno showroom and recently concluded a two month residency at the Harrah's Laughlin showroom. Abbey Road also headlines the Coach House, the Canyon Club, House of Blues, Belly Up, Harrah's Tahoe, Harrah's Rincon and Pala Casino.

"Christmas with the Beatles featuring Abbey Road" performs on December 13th at 7 pm at the Grove Theatre in Upland. Tickets are $30 - $50 and may be purchased online at www.grovetheatre.com or by calling (909) 920 - 4343. The show is appropriate for all ages. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. Ninth Street in Downtown Upland. Box Office Hours (except holidays): Tuesday - Friday: 11:30 am - 4:00 pm; Saturday: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm; 1 hour before performances.

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