Being for the Benefit: Lincroft’s own Lucien Nocelli (right, as John Lennon) leads his Beatlemania Stage Show mates back to the Two River Theater on Sunday.
When he’s just being his own, talented self, Lincroft-based guitarist, singer, songwriter and music educator Lucien Nocelli plays and records as a fast-fingered fusion fretmeister. But whenever there’s a cause to be supported, Nocelli suits up as John Lennon – whether in “Ed Sullivan” era garb, colorful “Sgt. Pepper” uniforms or “Abbey Road styled apparel” – and puts out the call to his mates in the Beatlemania Stage Show.
Based on the long-running Broadway smash that framed the Fab Four’s music in period costumes and projected images of the tumultuous Sixties, the musical multimedia presentation has summoned the Beatles back into being every August for the past several years with a benefit show on the stage of Red Bank’s Two River Theater.
This Sunday, August 2, Nocelli and his Beatle-booted bandmates Bob Halligan Jr. (Paul), Joe Nocco (Ringo) and James Striffolino (George) return to the Rechnitz auditorium for a magical mystery matinee that kicks off at 3 pm.
As is their specialty, the Beatlemaniacs will cover the entire history of the world’s most legendary band – from the cheerful chirp of “She Loves You” to the studio sturm and drang of “Revolution” – in a two-act, four-part “family friendly, all ages” presentation complete with detail-intensive garb and authentic ’60s-era instruments. And in keeping with recently minted tradition, the concert will be dedicated to the benefit of Housing and United Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides essential independent living services for the blind and disabled.
The event will also feature a 50/50 raffle, a gift auction (featuring prizes donated by such area businesses as the Lakewood BlueClaws and SeaStreak Ferry) and concessions sales, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the all-volunteer Housing and United Services. Take it here for tickets ($45 general admission).
