The company of ‘My Very Own British Invasion’ at Paper Mill Playhouse – photo by Jerry Dalia
The 60’s reveled in rock and pop music. A major part of the music scene was dominated by groups from Great Britain. First the Beatles arrived in 1964. After a time, one band after another came to the U.S. with major hit records. This phenomenon, affectionately nicknamed “the British Invasion,” is the subject of a new show aptly titled My Very Own British Invasion. The show is in its World Premiere at the Paper Mill Playhouse. The show is fast moving, filled with enjoyable music, and a very talented cast who sing many familiar songs and breath new life into them.
A Fable Based on Real Experiences
My Very Own British Invasion is based on the experiences of British rocker Peter Noone, lead singer of the band Herman’s Hermits who was very much a part of the invasion. Using that as a basis for a story, the book for the show, by Rick Elice, skillfully creates its own set of characters and events needed to tell this story. Jerry Mitchell does an outstanding job directing as well as providing the choreography.
Act I opens set in a club in Soho, London, The Bag O’Nails. The rockers of the day go there to hear each other’s songs and pal around together. As the first wave of rockers, the Beatles, arrive in the U.S., their success is celebrated. Others want to follow including Peter. Peter is very young; too young to get into the club. But along comes John Lennon who brings him in and buys him drinks.
There is plenty of good music to hear as lovely Pamela captures Peter’s eye. He is instantly smitten and determined to make her his girl. One problem; hot shot rocker by the name of Trip already has staked his claim on her. Trip is a much older man, all of 19 years old! He looks at young Peter and he doesn’t even see it as a contest. But Pamela sees something in Peter that she likes. Eventually, the very sweet parts of Peter win her over and she is willing to let go of Trip. Thus begins the struggle between Peter and Trip to make Pamela their girl.
Along the pursuit trail, there are a number of incidents that occur eventually bringing them all to the United States where they each have a chance to be on tour. The contest for Pamela continues on and is resolved in a rather surprising manner. Trip finally let his true emotions for Pamela comes out. After listening to Trip, Pamela declares who she needs to be in her own life and the decision about the right man for her gets made.
Who Pamela chooses is not the job of this reviewer to reveal. Bear in mind this is billed as a fable so a moral to the story is in order. My Very Own British Invasion shows what price is paid for our dreams and goals and how far we might go to get them. To end the show, the character Peter sings the Beatles’ song “In My Life.” It takes on a inspired significance as one looks back at their life. Those things and people that were important in a person’s life are held dear.
The Music Alone is Worth the Price of Admission
The music has a score that is chock full of songs from the era of the British Invasion. Lon Hoyt provides Music Supervision and Arrangements. Orchestrations are by Francisco Centeno, Clint De Ganon, John Putman, and Lon Hoyt. Together, they play 25 songs from the 60’s. The music corresponds well to action taking place on stage.
For example, when Trip sees Peter trying to woo Pamela, he sings “Can’t You See That She’s Mine.” That was a big hit for the Dave Clark 5 back in the day, but it sounds fresh and new again here. The same when Pamela goes to New Orleans and gets heavily into drugs. The Animals’ hit “The House of the Rising Sun” plays to show her now destructive path.
A very special moment occurs as Peter and Pamela first begin getting into their romance as they sing “There’s a Kind of Hush (All Over the World)” made famous by Herman’s Hermits. An especially fun moment is when Peter’s band sings “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am.” The audience is invited to sing along to one of the most famous songs from Mr. Noone’s many hits. And sing along they did with great gusto at the Opening Night performance.
The Cast Brings it all to Life
Jonny Amies does a wonderful job playing Peter. He plays the part as a young, innocent with a lot of dreams. You have to root for him as he bravely makes his way into this new world of music and love. Erika Olson plays Pamela whose presence and talent as a singer graces the stage. Kyle Taylor Parker as Geno adds so much to this show. His talent as a singer and serving as narrator is dynamic to watch. Conor Ryan plays Trip, the bad boy rocker complete with the long hair and cool aura. He shows a character who wants his way no matter what and he pulls it off and makes it all believable.
Jen Perry plays several roles including some memorable scenes as Peter’s mother. Bryan Fenkart plays John Lennon bringing in that famous Liverpool style accent. John Sanders plays several roles including Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein and Fallon. Daniel Stewart Sherman plays mean guy The Hammer. Additional casting includes Travis Artz, Gemma Baird, John Campione, Emma Degerstedt, Trista Dollison, Jay Donnell, Graham Scott Fleming, Douglas Goodhart, Cory Jeacoma, Sage Melcher, Jen Perry, and Daniel Yearwood.
The Creatives
The creative team involved with My Very Own British Invasion have done an outstanding job in their respective areas to bring this time period back to life.
Capturing the aura of The Bag O’Nails club and other venues is scenic design by David Rockwell with Kenneth Posner’s lighting design. A salute to fashion of the era comes from Gregg Barnes with costume design. The important sound design is by Andrew Keister. The unique projection design is by Andrew Lazarow, and the period hair and wig design is by Josh Marquette. The production stage manager for this show is Tripp Phillips.
Additional Information about My Very Own British Invasion
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes with one intermission
Location: Paper Mill Playhouse, 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ
Performances: Now through March 3, 2019
Contact for Info and Tickets: Call 973.376.4343, visit the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.PaperMill.org.
Suggested Audience: Teens on up. People who lived through that time period will be especially thrilled to hear those songs again by a whole new generation of performers. If you are looking to see a show that is fun and light hearted, this is for you.
Additional Information: Groups of 10 or more may receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. Season subscriptions are on sale now and are available by calling 973.379.3717. Students may order $23-$28 rush tickets over the phone or in person at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office on the day of the performance.