Beatlemania all over again

MANILA, Philippines - September 9 is the big day for Beatles fans all over the world. It’s when all the original 13 remastered Beatles albums will be released in sets or individually including lots of new goodies like mini-documentaries, videos and even a Beatles rockband software for Playstation, Nintendo Wii and Xbox.

In line with this world event, Steve O’Neal Productions is presenting the L.A. cast of the movie and broadway musical Beatlemania in several venues including the Heritage ballroom at Heritage Hotel on Aug. 21 (dinner show); Pagcor Casino Theater in Angeles, Aug. 22; Hard Rock Café, Aug. 23; Pagcor Hyatt main theatre, Aug. 25; and Ynares Sports Center Antipolo, Aug. 26.

Beatlemania is composed of four seasoned musicians from Los Angeles who have emulated John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr for over 20 years in concerts, musicals, movies and television. Joe Stefanelli plays John (he portrayed John Lennon in the movie Forrest Gump and is taunted as the best Lennon impersonator in  the world), Rick Pizana is George, James Caprio is Paul and Daniel Gerass emulates Ringo (he is the group leader, a Capitol recording artist and movie star). Their shows will spotlight most Beatles hits including I Saw Her Standing There, Twist and Shout, Till There Was You, If I Fell, And I Love Her, 8 Days a Week, Help, Yesterday, Drive My Car, Girl, In My Life, I’m Looking Through You, Here, There and Everywhere, Good Day Sunshine, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, Penny Lane, All You Need is Love, The Long and Winding Road, I Will, Get Back, Something, Let It Be and more including various costume changes ranging from the early years in moptop hairdos to Sgt. Pepper costumes to the final days when Beatles sported long hair, denims and the hippie look.

Together with concerts, O’Neal will display some of his treasured items like the Beatles Butcher Album whose estimated value if mint and stereo exceeds P5-M, John Lennon Artwork, Record Awards, Song Lyrics, etc.

The Beatles Memorabilia Exhibit is open to the public at Heritage Hotel Lobby until Aug. 21; SM Megamall, Aug. 21 to 22; and Hard Rock Café, Aug. 23 to 24. EMI Records will be at all exhibits and concert venues with a full Beatles CD and DVD catalogue for those who wish to purchase.