Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles at Nederlander Theatre

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...The four performers showed some impressive chops on their instruments, including a sizzling three-guitar jam session. They tried to get the audience involved in the action, exhorting the patrons to sing along, clap, and even stand for some numbers, as if the audience needed prodding to have fun. Most annoying were the periodic queries from the stage, “Are you enjoying the show?” This begging for audience approval insults both the spectators and the performers and should be expunged forthwith."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...Baby Boomers will love this if they remember where they were when they first heard “Hey Jude.” My companion for the evening had a great insight however that hit upon a stumbling block for us generational interlopers (suffice to say, we weren’t alive for the originals), in that she felt like she was “inhabiting someone else’s fantasy.” While I noted several parents in the audience with their children, trying to impart some of that magic, I wondered if even the talents of Rain ever could. Impersonations work on a fantasy that is made of real memories, and if you don’t have them, this concert could be the one that gives them to you. The power of The Beatles is such that their influence permeates the present, but artificial constructs will never be quite the same."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...I can't begin to explain the excitement and infectious enthusiasm I felt throughout the entire show and although I was not born when The Beatles came to the U.S. in 1963, I did my share of time listening to their albums back in the 70's. What is cool about this extremely talented foursome (Jim Irizarry, Mac Ruffing, Douglas Cox, and Tom Teeley) is that they don't call each other John, Paul, George and Ringo, because they are themselves paying tribute to the band. They are completely immersed in the music, the actions, every move really. Mac Ruffing, who is naturally right handed, learned how to play the guitar left handed to accurately portray his character."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...The staging, lighting , videos and performances are a very special evening and I would imagine an exhausting one for the performers. That being said, there are a number of men who handles these roles in addition to those named;Steve Landes,Joey Curatolo,Joe Bithorn,Ralph Castelli ( Mark Beyer handles some of the keyboard work), The only shame is that “RAIN” will only be at the Oriental Theatre located at 24 West Randolph Street through July 1, so you do not have a lot of time to experience the concert that you will never forget."