Broadway Features and Reviews
The Beatles' Best Song on Broadway?
By Kristin Frosch, Broadway Magazine
When discussing some of the most influential musical groups of all time, The Beatles must be included among the list. Since their entrance into the pop-rock scene, fans around the world have been inflicted with "Beatlemania," a trend that has yet to dissolve, years after the band broke up.
For original and new generations of fans, the musical, Rain, based on the greatest hits of the iconic group, is set to make its Broadway debut. The production promises to immerse fans into 1960s culture, resurrecting the band's original fervor with classic hits.
Every die-hard Beatles fan can attest to their favorite musical hits. But, what do the experts in the entertainment business say? Well, with that massive repertoire to choose from, most agree that every song is worthy in its own right. Coming to a definitive conclusion was based on personal opinion and level of pop-cultural significance.
In a recently published issue of Rolling Stone Magazine, "A Day in the Life," the paramount Lennon-McCartney collaboration, topped the list, with "I Want to Hold Your Hand" coming in at a close second. "A Day in the Life," did not, however, reach popularity until after Lennon's untimely death in the 1980s. Not surprisingly after the Beatles first presence in the U.S., "I Want to Hold Your Hand," sold the most singles (12 million copies) around the world. Other Rolling Stones favorites include: "Strawberry Fields Forever," "Yesterday," "In My Life," "Something," "Hey Jude," "Let it Be," "Come Together," and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
The top song according to CNN.com contributor, Todd Baxter, is "I Saw Her Standing There." This choice is certainly surprising as it reached minimal popularity in the U.S. and U.K. "I Want to Hold Your Hand," is stationed at number five on this list. In a testament to the range of interest, "A Day in the Life" did not even make Baxter's top ten list.
Furthermore, Entertainment Weekly generated a list of the greatest Beatles songs, with "A Hard Day's Night" taking the lead, followed by "Yesterday," and "Strawberry Fields."
With the advent of the "British Invasion" in the U.S., "I Want to Hold Your Hand," followed by "Hey Jude," sold the greatest number of singles. "Hey Jude" also marked a milestone in radio history. At seven minutes and eleven seconds, it stands as the longest running song to be played on the radio. "She Love You," also reached massive popularity, spending 15 weeks on the U.S. Billboard charts.
"Rain" promises to provide fans with the best range of classic hits, based on expert and public opinion. Songs to be included within the production are: "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Hard Day's Night," "Yesterday," "Twist and Shout," With A Little Help From My friends," "Eleanor Rigby," "Strawberry Fields," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Hey Jude," "When I'm 64," "I Am The Walrus," "Revolution," and "Come Together," among others.
Rain is scheduled to begin on October 26 this season at the Neil Simon Theatre. It is a limited engagement, so do not miss an opportunity to return to the 1960s, well, at least for an evening.
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