Photo courtesy of Open Stage
The first chord of “A Hard Day’s Night” kicks off “Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles,” and, with it, Open Stage’s 40th anniversary season.
Running Sept. 6 to 27 on the Capital Blue Cross Main Stage, the concert-style tribute brings the Fab Four’s legendary catalog to life with powerhouse vocals, a killer live band and no impersonations in sight.
This show also marks the return of Open Stage’s popular fall tribute series, which has celebrated artists like Judy Garland, Carole King, Dolly Parton, David Bowie and Fleetwood Mac. This time, it’s all Beatles—from the infectious pop of the early years to the layered brilliance of “Abbey Road” and beyond.
Directed by TJ Creedon and produced by Wayne Landon, the concert features music direction by Anthony Pieruccini and Brad Barkdoll. The band includes Pieruccini and Barkdoll on guitar, Dani Fiore on drums, Jeremy Blouch on bass and Adrienne Connaghan on piano and vocals.
“We didn’t want to impersonate the Beatles,” said Pieruccini. “The power of these songs is that they’re timeless. So, we focused on telling the story through the ensemble’s own voices and musicality.”
That ensemble includes Creedon, Connaghan, Jess Logan, Maggie Haynes, Aubrey Kyler, Drew Patti and Zachariah Roush. Each brings a fresh take to familiar songs while tapping into the emotional core of the music.
“It’s just such fun music to sing,” said Haynes, who previously appeared in Open Stage’s “Space Oddity: A Celebration of David Bowie.” “Everyone in the cast is a fan, and you can feel the joy from the first chord.”
The production team also includes Bethany Frymark (stage manager), Rachel Landon (costumes), Tristan Stasiulis (lighting), Kevin Cole (audio) and Kalina Barret (technical direction).
The setlist spans more than 40 songs across the Beatles’ catalog—from “Twist and Shout” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Blackbird,” “Come Together,” and the sweeping “Abbey Road” medley. Expect deep cuts and surprises too, like “Helter Skelter,” “Because” and the newly released “Now and Then.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering their music (in which case, welcome and where have you been?), “Come Together” is a joyful, harmony-filled celebration of the band that changed music forever. And with a full bar and fun Beatles-themed cocktails, it’s a perfect night out.
“Come Together: A Celebration of The Beatles” runs from Sept. 6 to 27 at Open Stage, 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. For tickets and more information, visit www.openstagehbg.com. Stuart Landon serves as producing artistic director at Open Stage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
Popcorn Hat Players
“Little Red Riding Hood”
Sept.17 to Oct. 4
Stage Door Series
“Three Queens”
The U.S. Premier
Sept. 19 to 21
TMI Improv
Comedy Show
Sept. 26
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“Come Together: A Celebration of the Beatles”
A concert tribute to the Fab Four
Sept. 6 to 27
Open Stage 40th Anniversary Party
Celebrate four decades of storytelling, community and creativity with music, memories and more
Sunday, Sept. 7
EFF Live!
A night of shameless, comedic and erotic fan fiction readings
Thursday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
BaRPG
Tabletop roleplaying meets drinking games in this raucous, improvised night of adventure
Wednesday, Sept.17 at 7:30 p.m.
Court Street Cabaret
An open-mic style cabaret of songs from Broadway and beyond
Sunday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
