Performer Tim Piper not only looks and sounds just like the pop icon he portrays but also understands and underplays the pain and longing Lennon put into his music.

The first half of the show sees him talk movingly about the death of the star’s mother Julia, band-mate Stuart Sutcliffe and manager Brian Epstein in between brilliantly delivered Beatles classics, which have the crowd swaying and singing along.

That crowd do a good accompanying job but then perhaps only in a talent packed city like Los Angeles would the entire audience be in tune!

The second half sees Tim/John perform Lennon’s best post Beatles solo numbers and talk about the impact of Yoko Ono – whose name is amusingly booed by Working Class Hero, the energetic and talented band behind him.

For a show which is so complete in every other way, it’s a little surprising there is no mention of Lennon’s killing – not even on the well utilized video screens above the stage – just a goodbye wave to the audience and a return to the stage for the final number, Imagine.

But that artistic choice works, as do the others in a well conceived show, expertly directed by Steve Altman, that will be entertaining to all ages.

It’s hard to imagine how this could have been done any better.

True Rock Theatre presents a limited engagement of the critically acclaimed rock & roll production of
“Just Imagine” starring Tim Piper as John Lennon.

Imagine John Lennon returns for one last concert and YOU ARE THERE!. “Just Imagine” transports you to another place and time, putting you ‘one on one’ with the musical legend who shook the world. Experience Lennon’s timeless musical genius as Tim Piper takes you through John’s life from tumultuous childhood to worldwide pop
music superstar to groundbreaking social icon that influenced generations. You’ll share a unique perspective on John’s life, the stories behind the songs, and revealing insights about the birth of the Beatles, the pressures of super-stardom, and John’s relationships with his loves and fellow Beatles.

JUST IMAGINE runs June 8 through August 25 with performances on Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm (no performances June 29-30 or July 13-14) at The Hayworth Theatre, 2511 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

Tickets are $30, $50 and $70. For reservations and information call 323-960-4442 or go to www.plays411.com/justimagine.

Excellent PR for this event by:

Thespian Thoughts is a theatre review article on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.

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