My Very Own British Invasion Previews

[Bro_on_Broadway]

Was anyone at Papermill last night for the first preview? Anyone have any plans to go? Is this planning to transfer?

[Patty3]

Going tonight.

[Cfried]

I’ll be there on closing night, but I’m curious to hear people’s thoughts. I’d heard the goal is Broadway.

[Bro_on_Broadway]

Afternoon.

Do you have any thoughts to share? How was it?

[everythingtaboo]

Any updates on this? I not sure I get what the plot is supposed to be, something about Peter Noone? The newly released production images don't help, and their website doesn't show a song list or even a cast list. 

[barcelona20]

I'm surprised the Beatles allowed their music to be used in this.

[macnyc]

Do we know for a fact that Beatles music is in the show?

[Patty3]

macnyc said: "Do we know for a fact that Beatles music is in the show?"

Yes, several Beatles songs are used as well as ensemble playing members of the group. It was a fun evening - we were 2nd row Mezz. The book was my least favorite part of the show. Not crazy about storyline. I grew up in 60s so music was faniliar to me. Not sure how much of the story was part of Peter Noone’s life. The program says his contribution was concept so I’m thinking it’s loosely based in him. The music and cast were great, though. 

[EthelMae]

I haven’t seen it. I watched the clip here. Maybe not fair, but this looks like...oh, what’s the word I’m looking for?.....

[Bro_on_Broadway]

Yeah I guess its set in the Bag O' Nails club in London in the 60s and its kind of a flashback/memory play reenacting Peter Noone's and the British invasion of music to America. Theres a character that i'm thinking is supposed to be Mick Jagger, which would make the girl (Pamela) Marianne Faithful..? KTP plays a narrator of sorts (that doesn't bookend the show) based on Geno Washington. Lots of 60s music, energetic fun. Story? - barely there.

[macnyc]

Thanks, Bro! I have tickets for later this month. 

[TheresaG]

There is a complete playlist on Spotify of the songs by the original artists for this show. The Paper Mill has a link on their Facebook page to access it. It didn't move over here too well but if you go on Spotify, look for The Songs of My Very Own British Invasion.

[macnyc]

Thanks for the Spotify info! That is one impressive song list. What a great era for pop music. 

[macnyc]

I just got back from the matinee at the Paper Mill. My friend and I enjoyed hearing the music from our childhood and teen years, and the actors and singers are talented. Young Jonny Amies did a fine job as a teenage Noone. But that's not enough to overcome the blah story. It's hard to believe that with all the vibrancy of the music scene in London in 1964, and the larger-than-life characters who lived then, this was the best that Rick Elice could come up with, especially with the help and input from Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits fame. 

And with Jerry Mitchell at the helm, I expected some exciting choreography. There wasn't much dancing at all beyond what I would term "movement."

 

 

 

 

[ACL2006]

Looks like Papermill has another flop of an original show.

[jbird5]

barcelona20 said: "I'm surprised the Beatles allowed their music to be used in this."

The Beatles famously don’t own the rights to their own music.

[barcelona20]

Are you sure?

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40457703

[jbird5]

barcelona20 said: "Are you sure?

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-40457703"

No, but I took “settlement” as they paid him to go away.  They fought and won a similar case against Duran, Duran in the UK.  Afterwards,They approAched Paul at the Grammys and warned him they would fight him even harder.

[Cfried]

Caught tonight’s performance and unfortunately, the show is a mess. The cast delivers admirable performances and the physical production itself is handsome, but the book is beyond problematic. I don’t see how it could have any commercial potential.