Anticipation is in the air outside Millburn, NJ’s Paper Mill Playhouse as theater lovers await the world premiere of an electrifying new musical, My Own British Invasion! Based on the experiences of Herman’s Hermits’ lead singer, Peter Noone, tonight’s audience looks forward to an entertainment extravaganza featuring more than two-dozen chart-topping hits from the best British artists of the 1960s!
Inside the Paper Mill Playhouse lobby, there is a beautiful stone fireplace ablaze on this chilly winter evening, but there is also evidence of an impending British Invasion at every turn.
There are fun cut-out picture frames which patrons can use to take selfies, the bar has drinks with British themes, and the gift shop is replete with Union Jack merchandise from lunch boxes and pencil cups to a working 1960’s era phonograph.
There are also Yellow Submarine tote bags, a guide to Britain’s swinging fashion scene, in addition to DVDs of films such as Georgie Girl and Help, and CDs by artists including Dusty Springfield, The Rolling Stones, and Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits.
Standing in the lobby, we catch a glimpse of celebrities including Rock of Ages and American Idol star Constantine Maroulis here to enjoy tonight’s performance, and we also witness the arrival of the man whose idea was the inspiration for tonight’s show — Peter Noone himself!
While waiting for the show to start, we chat with several theatergoers here to enjoy tonight’s performance of My Own British Invasion.
First, we chat with Joann from Montvale who reveals, “I’ve already seen the show once in previews and I came back to see it again on opening night — the music is phenomenal!”
Next, we talk to Mark from Parsippany who is here with his daughter, Christina, 24. Explains Mark, “’60s music is the music of my era, and I’m here tonight to introduce that music to my daughter.” Christina nods before adding, “I love the music of The Beatles — I loved watching Yellow Submarine when I was a kid!”
We also chat with Gary and Chaz from Lincoln Park. Whereas Gary tells us he’s looking forward to tonight’s production, explaining, “I’m a singer who just performed a concert of all-British music,” Chaz, a music teacher, reveals, “We’re really looking forward to seeing this show because we’re subscribers to Paper Mill and they consistently present great productions.”
Lastly, we chat with Karen from Chester, who heartily agrees adding, “I have a five-show subscription here at Paper Mill. The shows are always excellent — they are the same quality you’ll see on Broadway — absolutely!”
British pop music plays as we enter the beautiful Paper Mill auditorium, where the seats are dressed in red velvet and the velvet curtain is open with an enormous Union Jack scrim covering the stage.
Soon, the lights dim and we are transported to another world.
First, we meet a 16-year-old Peter Noone — played by the talented and personable Jonny Amies — who takes us to a London club called the Bag O’Nails pub.
The club is owned by an American, Geno Washington — portrayed by Kyle Taylor Parker — and is frequented by such real-life patrons as up-and-coming British musician, John Lennon, and fashion designer Mary Quant.
At the Bag O’Nails, we also meet Peter’s love interest, Pamela, played by Erika Olson, and her rock and roll boyfriend, Trip, portrayed by Conor Ryan, in this story created by Jersey Boys and The Cher Show author Rick Elice.
As the love triangle of Peter, Pamela, and Trip unfolds, the audience is treated to a jukebox filled with top-notch musical numbers arranged by musical director Lon Hoyt.
Highlights include full ensemble renditions of The Yardbirds’ “For Your Love,” featuring high energy dancing and singing directed and choreographed by Kinky Boots director Jerry Mitchell, and Steppenwolf’s “Born to Wild,” which sports an exciting musical arrangement and multiple guitars played by members of the ensemble.
“I Wanna Be Your Man” is an energetic reimagining of a less-often-heard Beatles’ song with a bright new arrangement, and The Beatles’ “In My Life” is a beautifully staged and rendered number which goes straight to the heart.
Hermans’ Hermits’ hits are also well-represented in the show. “I’m Into Something Good” is a number where Jonny Amies as Peter charms the audience with his vocal talent and sparkling personality.
On “Henry the VIII” lyrics appear on stage behind Peter so the audience can sing along — and they do!
“There’s a Kind of Hush” is a lovely duet between Jonny Amies as Peter and Erika Olson as Pamela, which ends in an especially poignant moment when Pamela fingers chords on a guitar strummed by Peter.
A high point of the show is the scene which features an emotional rendition of Eric Burdon and The Animals’ “The House of the Rising Sun,” featuring passionate vocals from Kyle Taylor Parker as Geno and Erika Olson as Pamela.
Lastly, the finale is a can’t-miss number which has the entire audience in a tizzy, on their feet clapping, cheering, and dancing along to the magical music of the 1960s!
Following the performance, we chat with several audience members who share their opinions of My Very Own British Invasion.
Exclaims Justin from NYC, “It was a lot of fun, and all of the voices were just wonderful!”
Dori from NYC declares, “It was a really fun time! I didn’t know a lot of the music before tonight, but the vocal talent was beautiful and the acting was phenomenal. Also, ‘The House of the Rising Sun’ number was stellar!”
Nate from Toms River agrees adding, “It brought me back to the great music of the 1960s — I wasn’t even alive then, but I love that era — and the cast sang the sh*t out of those songs!”
MaryAnne from Scotch Plains asserts, “My Very Own British Invasion was fantastic — just wonderful! It brought me back to 1964 and my senior high school years,” before adding, “My favorite number was the Herman’s Hermits’ song, ‘There’s a Kind of Hush,’ but it was all such fun!”
Alexandra from Clark concurs adding, “It brought me back in time and made me feel like I was 16 again!”
Lastly, Tom from Rahway concludes, “It was so good I want to come back and see it again!”
My Very Own British Invasion runs from now until March 3, 2019 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. with Wed. performances at 7:30 pm; Thurs. performances at 1:30pm and 7:30pm; Fri. performances at 8pm; Sat. performances at 1:30pm and 8pm; and Sun. performances at 1:30pm and 7pm. Special activities include “Conversation Club” on select Thursdays at 6:30pm and a “Q&A with the Cast” on Mar. 2 following the matinee. For info and tickets please call 973–376–4343 or go to papermill.org.
Photos by Jerry Dalia and Evan Zimmerman
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