Just Imagine
There is renewed interested in the Beatles since the release of Rock Band, the “new” collection of Beatle tracks, and the re-mastered mega-box set of Beatles hit albums. But don’t think that Tim Piper’s new show, Just Imagine, rides on that crest as much as on the idea that we really miss John Lennon. Piper provides just enough of an echo of the man, and certainly, with his own assembled musicians, an eerily similar sound, to make the most jaded Lennon watcher happy.
A bit beefier, and at least a head taller than Lennon, Tim Piper dons the characteristic glasses, adopts some spooky mannerisms and as KABC once swooned, “Tim Piper IS John Lennon.” The show, tracing John’s history from his childhood in Liverpool and almost up to his assassination, is amply illustrated by a superlative assemblage of footage (also by Tim Piper) that reinforces the image. Rather than a chronological run-down of songs, Piper and his director, Steve Altman, interweave suitable melodies to create a tapestry of memories. He begins sweetly and quietly with “Moma” and “Julia,” then segs into the Hamburg scene with “Money” and “She Loves You,” and on through “The Magical ‘Misery’ Tour.”
Unfortunately, toward the end of Lennon’s life, the reclusive Lennon was not as much in the spotlight, and there is less supporting video documentation for the later years. But what the video may have lacked about that time, Piper more than makes up for with renditions of “Cold Turkey,” “Instant Karma,” and “Mind Games” among others, from the latter part of his career. Throughout, Piper delivers his patter without histrionics, letting the music track its own emotional journey.
A medley from the “Double Fantasy” album signals that we are reaching the crux of the evening, but Piper ends as he began with the sweet sounds of “Beautiful Boy” and “Shadows on the Wall.” The show ends as it began with the lingering chord that is now so identified with Lennon. But opening night’s standing ovation begged for a definitive encore, and they got it with the anthem, “Imagine.”
For this tribute – one could almost say, this reinactment – Piper has assembled a particularly expert group of musicians: under the direction of Greg Piper (Bass Guitar), the band members are Morley Bartnoff (suitably top-hatted) on keyboards, Don Butler (who provided the arrangements, I’m told) as Lead Guitar, and Don Poncher (who out-Ringos Ringo) on drums. A psychedelic set (designed by Steve Altman) with supporting artwork by Neal Warner, affords the perfect backdrop with lighting, including strobes (from Luke Moyer) that compliments the illusion.
On opening night, John Lennon’s 69th birthday, the entire evening served to remind us that in missing him, we can almost be said to be missing a part of ourselves. Happily, at the NoHo Arts Center, Tim Piper is bringing it all back together.
Go, go, go. I cannot say that more, to Just Imagine, playing Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 P.M., Sundays at 3:00 P.M. through November 8th at The NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. Tickets from $35.00 to $45.00 with opportunity for onstage seating at $75.00. Phone (866) 811-4111, or online at www.justimaginetheshow.com.