Review: Philly Pops Sgt. Pepper Celebration

The Pops soar "With a Little Help From Their Friends" the widely acclaimed tribute band Classical Mystery Tour as they cover Sgt. Pepper's magical lineup - Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds, With a Little Help From My Friends, and When I'm 64 - as well as other timeless "Fab Four" classics including Yellow Submarine and Come Together.

The Pops open with their wonderful "signature style" of orchestral introduction medleys with "Eleanor Rigby and Getting Better" under the robust baton oh Michael Krajewski. The nearly sold out crowd of three generations of Beatles fans cheered and sang along to such familiar tunes as "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" "When I'm 64", "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La Da" and many more legendary hits. The Classical Mystery Tour; all talented musicians/vocalists in themselves portray the original Beatles featuring Jim Owen (John Lennon), Paul Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Tom Teeley (George Harrison), and Chris Camilleri (Ringo Starr). In an interview with the group's founder Jim Owen, he shares just how much work went into the creation process of writing the orchestral charts for these famous songs. http://www.broadwayworld.com/philadelphia/article/BWW-Interview-Jim-Owen-of-CLASSICAL-MYSTERY-TOUR-at-Kimmel-Center-20170127

But this sold-out audience was more interested in cheering and enjoying the show! Dressed in Sgt. Pepper garb, the four simply dazzle and amaze in a style that if you "Close Your Eyes" you hear the original artists from Liverpool. My personal favorites were the vocal harmonies in "She's Leaving Home" and "Here Comes the Sun", Paul Curatolo's "Live and Let Die" along with the awesome orchestra backing, "Golden Slumbers" and "A Day In The Life". After the intermission, A simply stand-out medley arrangement by the Pops which included "Yesterday", "Blackbird" featuring a wonderful trumpet and violin offering, "All My Lovin'" "Day Dreamer", Lady Madonna", "If I Fell", "Something", "Money Can't Buy Me Love", "Let It Be" and "All You Need Is Love" brought the entire audience to its feet! In all, there were 19 songs and two encore songs including the familiar ending song "Hey Jude" which brought out the lighters and a grateful happy crowd. Philly even brought in the Beatle Beetle to celebrate the event.

The Philly Pops Sgt. Pepper Celebration played at the Kimmel Center on Feb. 3,4,5. For More information about the Philly Pops visit www.phillypops.org or call 215.893.1999 For More information about The Classic Mystery Tour visit www.classicalmystertour.com

Photos: Philly Pops & Pati Buehler