 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (April 2009) |
| Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road | |
|---|---|
 Poster | |
| Music | John Lennon Paul McCartney George Harrison Ringo Starr |
| Book | Robin Wagner Tom O'Horgan |
| Productions | 1974 Beacon Theatre |
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road was a 1974 off-Broadway production directed by Tom O'Horgan.[1] It opened at the Beacon Theatre in New York on November 17, 1974 and ran for a total of 66 performances.[2]
The plot tells of a Candide-like rock music singer, Billy Shears, who marries Strawberry Fields. Billy loses her to death, and his own integrity to Maxwell's Silver Hammermen, Jack, Sledge and Claw, dressed in chain mail and representing the Hells Angels of the commercial music business. Billy's bête noire is a temptress named Lucy. [3]
Among the original cast were Ted Neeley as Billy Shears and Alaina Reed as Lucy. David Patrick Kelly played Sgt. Pepper.
The musical would later be loosely adapted into the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band film.
John Lennon attended several rehearsals and the Opening Night performance with May Pang. It was caught on film in the original promo video for "Whatever Gets You Through the Night". Lennon can also be seen pointing to a New York theater as well as a poster for the film inside the theater in a comedic fashion for the music video for "Mind Games".