I’ve recently been privileged to catch the Liverpool Legends show at the Caravelle Theatre. As you enter the building, you are welcomed by an accommodating, friendly staff. Everyone from the Mock family, the box office, the merchandise counter, the concession bar, to the ushers strive to make your experience there a pleasant one. Once you are comfortably seated with a good view of the stage, you eagerly anticipate the opening.
The format is set up like the original Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Bob Rumba delights us with his extraordinary comedic impersonation of Mr. Sullivan. The audience is prepped and the intros are made.
Then….the curtain parts and there is revealed, before your very eyes, the mop-topped Fab Four! The opening chords of “I Want To Hold Your Hand” chase a thrill of excitement through you. The years cascade away and you’re riding the wave of “Beatlemania“!
These guys have it all down to an art. John, Paul, George, and Ringo are all portrayed with stunning accuracy by Kevin, Davey, Marty, and Greg. The resemblances to their respective counterparts are amazing in appearance, as are their actions and stage persona. Their clothes and the vintage style instruments used only add to the authentic feel.
Strict attention is paid to detail. This is apparent in many examples. One instance of this is that even though Davey is right-handed, he learned to play the guitar left-handed (as does Sir Paul). Likewise, Marty is left-handed, but learned to play guitar right-handed to better emulate George. Kevin not only has the voice and style of John (on-stage as well as off), but incorporates Lennon’s impromptu slap-stick antics. Greg not only boasts a startling resemblance to Ringo, but has the fabulous drumming style reminiscent of the great Mr. Starkey. Together, their smooth blend of vocals are as close to the Beatles as you can get.
Add to this mix Bob Dobro, who masterfully backs the guys on keyboard. Bob also contributes a little comedic flair.
The back bone of this super group of talent is Louise Harrison, sister of none other than the fabulous (late) Mr. George Harrison. Louise is an extremely gracious lady being a celebrity in her own right. She makes a few appearances on stage herself. During one break, she’ll take a question or two from the audience. She will also share a few neat details and first-hand stories of her experiences with brother George and the other Beatles. As the manager, she explicitly states that she would not associate her name with a group unless they were able to do the best Beatles tribute possible.
The show is suitable and fun for all ages. The boys strongly encourage audience participation. If you can’t stay in your seat (and who wants to?!), dancing in the aisles is perfectly acceptable.
It is difficult not to get caught up as you’re taken on a whirlwind musical journey from the early days through the Sgt.Pepper years and up to the eventual break-up of the original Fab Four.
There is an intermission about half-way through the show. Concessions are available. From the merchandise counter, you may purchase T-shirts, CD’s, posters, and other memorabilia. They even have an adorable Liverpool Legends Beatle Bear. (The purchase of one of these might get you a kiss from Paul!)
Following the show, the boys make themselves available in the lobby for autograph signing, visiting, and photo-ops.
Last year, Liverpool Legends swooped Best Band and Best New Show Awards from our own Branson Critic. Once you’ve seen these guys perform, it’s clearly apparent why they were able to achieve that recognition. During that time, most of their advertising was done by word of mouth and via news press releases. These lads have managed to acquire a huge base of loyal fans including many other celebrities.
Liverpool Legends do appearances in numerous cities across the country as well as Branson. The lads have also performed for fund raisers for several charitable organizations.
Simply stated, this is a group of very nice young men who are working long and hard to achieve their success. If you’ve only heard about them, you owe it to yourself to come and see what the “BUZZ” is all about. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see and hear the new “crowned princes of Branson”!
Make your reservations soon through the Caravelle Theatre, located at 3446 W. Hwy 76 in Branson. Phone: 417-334-5100. See you there!
Editor - Kathy Bennett