World Premiere of John Lennon Tuner 'Just Imagine' to Play NOHO Arts Center Opening Oct. 9

Philip Wegener, Sara Schedeen and Christopher Barrett present Tim Piper starring as John Lennon in the world premiere of JUST IMAGINE, directed by Steve Altman. JUST IMAGINE will preview on Friday, October 2 at 8pm; Saturday, October 3 at 8pm; Sunday, October 4 at 3pm and will open on Friday, October 9 at 8pm (John Lennon's 69th Birthday) and will run for six weeks through Sunday, November 8 at the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd. (at Lankershim) in North Hollywood.

John Lennon and the Beatles have never been hotter with the release of Beatles "Rock Band" and the newly re-mastered box set of Beatles CD's. Now, spend an evening with with 'John Lennon' (as portrayed by world-famous actor/musician Tim Piper), as he transports you to the very beginning of John's life and remarkable journey that influenced the music and culture of generations. Share the inside story of the man, the music, and the legend, who as founder of the Beatles, created a 'Revolution' that shook the world.

This riveting multi-media production will take you back in time, and another state of mind, utilizing visual images, anecdotes, and note-perfect renditions of some of the greatest songs ever composed. Suspend your belief and prepare to be transfixed by an incredible evening of music and imagery with one of the greatest musical legends of all time.

STEVE ALTMAN (Director) acted in his first play at four, directed his first at five and the die was cast. He studied with Stella Adler in New York and toured as Judas in Superstar and Berger in Hair with the New York Rep. Since then he's worked with Ed Begley, William Baldwin, Robert Vaughn, Henry Winkler, Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, Brad Garrett, Mike O'Malley, George Lopez, José Feliciano, Smokey Robinson, Motown, Disney, HBO, Comedy Central, the BBC, Fox Television, Popular Arts Entertainment, Dick Clark, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA.) Steve recently wrote and directed "Duality" with David Strassman at the Meta Theatre and also produces, writes and directs a quarterly music/film/sketch revue called ‘Saturn & Vine: Adventures in New Media'. He has written/directed many short films that can be seen at saturnandvine.com and is currently working on a musical version of HG Wells' Time Machine.

TIM PIPER (John Lennon) Multi-faceted, Musician, Actor and Songwriter Tim Piper has traveled the world performing music made famous by The Beatles. From his early teen years in Southern California, Piper played in numerous original and Top 40 'cover' bands, while honing is skills as a guitarist, bass player, singer and songwriter. In addition to being a member of various Beatle Tribute bands, including Revolution, Piper has distinguished himself as the pre-eminent 'John Lennon; with roles in the CBS production 'The Linda McCartney Story,' E! Channel's production of the 'John Lennon Story,' 'Beatle Wives,' and more recently as the singing voice of John Lennon for the NBC TV Movie of the Week, "In His Life -The John Lennon Story."

With his band, Tim has performed at numerous 'Celebrity Special Events,' such Tom Hanks' 10th wedding anniversary party, a private party for Irwin Winkler (producer of Rocky), and a pre-screening performance for the re-release debut of Yellow Submarine. Piper's other credits include: Legends In Concert (Las Vegas, NV and Internationally), Shea Stadium concert for a Mets baseball game, and even a Bob Hope Worldwide Television Special.

Tim was invited to attend the inaugural "Adopt a Minefield" Charity Benefit in Beverly Hills, where he met with Beatle-legend Paul McCartney and his wife Heather Mills-McCartney, in support of their charitable efforts. McCartney told Tim and his band to "Keep up the good work lads!"

GREG PIPER (Musical Director/Bass Guitar) was born into the same show-business family as his brother Tim, whose parents were traveling actors in their own theatre company, performing with Red Skelton on his television show and later became co-creators of the hugely popular TV game show, 'Concentration.' Greg has played in rock bands since high school and in 1988 he began his professional musical career, touring the world with leading Beatle tribute acts including "Revolution - The Beatles Tribute", and "Working Class Hero - The John Lennon Tribute." Greg is not only an accomplished bass player and guitarist, but is also a talented graphic and multimedia producer. Greg's wry, wit, and outgoing personality has makes him an audience favorite.

DON BUTLER (Lead Guitar) has performed with sixties legends Gordon Waller of Peter & Gordon, Spencer Davis of The Spencer Davis Group and Chris Montez (who toured with The Beatles in the U.K. in 1963). He performed with MCA Recording Artist Sam Neely from 1982 thru 1985 and was also a session guitarist at RCA/ Hacienda Studios in Corpus Christi, Texas between 1980-1986, where he recorded three albums with world-famous Freddy Fender. He is on the Editorial Board of The Tonequest Report magazine, has his own column in The Rickenbacker Forum called 'Talk to the Toneman' and is the founder of his own company, 'Toneman', where he performs custom instrument and amplifier services for a host of well-known world class musicians.

DON PONCHER (Drums) A true Los Angeles based drummer - born in Chicago, rooted early in the 1960's 70's LA Rock Scene, this versatile musician has beat down with music legends. Poncher was with Arthur Lee on the acclaimed Vindicator album, which included "Everybody's Gotta Live" a song co-written with John Lennon. He was with Joe Cocker during "Jamaica, Say You Will", Bobby Whitlock's band right after Derek & The Dominos, Dewey Martin's "New Buffalo" and Jim Price on his solo album and other productions. Don credits drummer Tony Williams as his strongest musical influence. About 3 years after getting his first drum kit at age 10, Don would sneak into clubs where Tony was playing to absorb and learn. His love and appreciation of jazz stems back to that time. Other drummer influences have been Jim Gordon, Jim Keltner and Charlie Watts. Don turned "Pro" at age 16 and went out on-the-road with renowned country artist, "Tex" Williams. Poncher's pre-metal strong beat merged with theatrical flare as Ming the Merciless in Lenny & the Squigtones with David Landers and Michael McKeon, pre-Spinal Tap. As stage and recording drummer in the Big Beat Band for the cult classic rock movie "American Hot Wax", the story of Alan Freed and the birth of Rock N' Roll, Don backed most of the greats of that era, including Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and Screamin' Jay Hawkins.

MORLEY BARTNOFF (Keyboardist) PKA Cosmo Topper has been playing, recording, writing and appreciating music since he was knee high. He has been a contributing writer to both Strobe and Yeah Yeah Yeah Magazine. Born in LA, moved to Vegas from 71-76 went to UNLV, then Went To Pierce College where music and theater were his major and minors. Some of Morley's many credits include performing with The Sluff Bros. with Minnie Ripperton and George Benson drummer Hugh Morran and excellent former Kentucky Blue Grass and Sonny Charles guitarist Mark Miller, played piano with Capitol Records recording artist Maxine Sellers, performing at The Troubadour with Ramblin' Jack Elliot, a 2-year residency at Studio City's Bla Bla Café, Repo Man soundtrack Universal Records where he played Hammond B3 with a Leslie on Burning Sensations cover of the Jonathan Richmond song "Pablo Picasso", played baby grand piano on two songs at the Derby in Loz Feliz, CA for an unplanned Dramarama reunion, and is the piano player at radio station KLSX's "Breakfast with the Beatles" movie screenings at The Silent Movie Theater in Hollywood, CA.

PHILIP WEGENER (Executive Producer) As a businessman/investor Philip became involved in this project through his passion for music. An accomplished pianist and bass player, he performed in a rock and roll band during high school and college, and worked his way through college playing ragtime piano at various venues in the Los Angeles area. He studied classical piano with Michael Cave while attending UCLA and later, jazz improvisation with noted jazz musician and educator, Dick Grove. His other credits include producer of the play 'One Night Only,' which also starred Tim Piper in the role of John Lennon.

The production has assembled an award-winning design team. The Lighting Design is by Ovation Award-winner Luke Moyer (Dracula, Elizabeth Rex). The Multi-Media/Video Design is by Timothy Piper.

JUST IMAGINE will preview on Friday, October 2 at 8pm; Saturday, October 3 at 8pm; Sunday, October 4 at 3pm and will open on Friday, October 9 at 8pm and will run for six weeks through Sunday, November 8 at the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd. (at Lankershim) in North Hollywood.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm. Ticket prices are $45.00 (premium seating - first three rows); $35 for general admission tickets; $75 for VIP onstage interactive tickets (includes onstage "VIP" seating, private meet and greet with cast and Limited Edition T-shirt, Lennon glasses and signed show poster as well as "members only" access to website for special features, discounts, etc.). Preview prices are $25. For tickets, please call 818-508-7101 x7 or visit www.justimaginetheshow.com.

 

 

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