words and photos by Scott Roos
On Thursday, February 13th, the EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts hosted an extraordinary performance with Becoming the Beatles, a show that was both informative and deeply entertaining. Guided by the engaging Haley Marie, a Yale-educated musician and storyteller, the evening seamlessly wove together over 300 vivid projections, 20 live Beatles songs, and captivating behind-the-scenes stories. The result was an immersive celebration of one of the most influential bands in music history.
Marie had a unique way of drawing the audience in. With her warm presence and expert storytelling, she offered fascinating insights into the Beatles’ incredible rise to fame, blending cultural and historical context to highlight the events and people that shaped the band's journey. From the very beginning, it was clear that Marie's deep knowledge and passion for the Beatles was the foundation of the show. Her piano playing also stood out, providing a lovely complement to the narrative and enhancing the musical atmosphere of the performance as a whole.
The first half of the show was particularly effective in exploring the social and historical backdrop that led to the Beatles becoming the sensation they were. Marie highlighted the band’s humble beginnings, offering thoughtful reflections on how these four musicians, each with their own personal struggles, ultimately found themselves at the right place and time to become legends. She skillfully painted portraits of each Beatle, from the boy born during an air raid to the one who had to reverse the strings on his guitar. Her storytelling was a blend of heartfelt admiration and deep reverence for the band’s impact on both music and culture.
While Haley's narrative was full of fascinating details, the live performances were an integral part of the experience. The band, consisting of Steve Foster (Music Director & Guitarist), Arden Van Fleet (Bassist), and Stefan Hegerat (Drummer), brought twenty Beatles’ songs to life with impressive authenticity. Steve Foster’s guitar playing was impeccable, offering flawless renditions of some of McCartney’s most beloved tunes, like "Blackbird" and "Yesterday". His soulful performance of "Something" also left a lasting impression, showcasing not just his technical skill but his emotional connection to the music.
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Arden Van Fleet’s bass work was top-notch, capturing the intricacy of McCartney’s bass lines and delivering solid vocals on Lennon-led tracks, like a raucous "Twist and Shout" and a powerful "Revolution". Stefan Hegerat’s drumming was the backbone of the performance, providing a steady and tight rhythm that perfectly complemented the band’s sound. His backing vocals also contributed to the group’s authentic Beatles vibe, though it would’ve been fun to hear him tackle a signature Ringo track, like "Octopus's Garden".
Visually, the projections were timed perfectly to enhance the storytelling, with images and footage that deepened the audience’s understanding of the moments Haley was describing. These visuals not only helped tell the Beatles’ story but also tied in beautifully with the live music. If nitpicking the only bit of criticism would be that it would have been nice to hear the piano a bit higher in the mix although this was a sound guy issue and nothing to do with the band's overall performance.
Becoming the Beatles is a delightful mix of theatre, concert, and documentary. It’s an experience that goes beyond celebrating the Beatles’ music; it also shines a light on their incredible legacy and the cultural forces that propelled them to fame. Haley Marie’s thorough analysis made us reflect on the Beatles' far-reaching impact, while the musical performances were both faithful and thrilling. Overall, the show was a well-rounded, highly enjoyable experience, one that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who loves the Beatles—or simply enjoys great music and storytelling. Don't miss this unique, engaging show!
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