Beatles songs inspire original production Music of Fab Four at heart of show coming to Sayreville stage BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer Eleanor Rigby, Prudence, Sgt. Pepper and their pals will soon be coming to town. No, it is not the result of consuming psychedelic drugs. It is "A Day in the Life," an original musical whose story is told through Beatles song lyrics. Starting tomorrow night, the Main Street Theatre Co.'s stage will convert to a cozy restaurant where audiences will take a journey with characters from Beatles songs. As the characters interact through music arranged to fit the story, there are moments of poignancy and joy, and all of their lives are touched. "You get to know their back stories, their present stories, and their future stories as it unfurls," said Irwin Hahn, one of the show's two writers. Hahn, along with Dan Davidson, took two years to write the story of the 11 characters that millions have come to know and love over time. Both fans of The Beatles, the writers were listening to their classic songs being covered by other artists when the idea for the show struck. "It just crystallized to me that it could be done," Hahn said. Though Hahn said he was a fan 40 years ago when the Fab Four were still playing together, with age has come a deeper appreciation of the music. "As a kid, you just sort of listen to the music as pop songs, and now that Dan and I have some years behind us and some experience in life, we recognize how intelligent, heartwarming and expressive the Lennon, McCartney and Harrison songs are," Hahn said. "A Day in the Life" does not represent the first time Hahn and Davidson have "come together." The two are co-founders of the @CT! theater company, started more than seven years ago. Together, they have put together and staged numerous shows throughout the years, Hahn said. Ron McIntyre spent a year and a half orchestrating and arranging the songs, which Hahn said range from jazz to blues to cabaret style. Audiences will be treated to his interpretations of 32 Beatles numbers, including such hits as "Help!," "A Hard Day's Night," "Day Tripper" and "Paperback Writer." "The songs were personal in tempo," Hahn said. "[McIntyre's] genius is part of what makes the show a success." Hahn also praised Susan Miller, who choreographed dance numbers that breathe life into the various characters. The show opened several weeks ago at @CT's headquarters, the Empire Diner in Freehold. Everyone from hardcore fans clad in Beatles shirts, to regular theatergoers flocked to see the unique production, Hahn said. "Every show was virtually sold out," he said. "The response was overwhelming." Vic Morosco, who runs the Sayreville Main Street Theatre Company in Parlin, caught onto the buzz and decided to pick up the show, which will run through Sept. 8. "I had known Irwin for a long time, and I know of his work, and I liked the idea of it being an original musical," Morosco said. Morosco said he and others from his troupe do their best to bring a variety of performances to their patrons. They will open the fall season at the theater with "Wait Until Dark," a classic Audrey Hepburn film adapted for the stage, running from Sept. 28 to Oct. 13. Bringing theater to the community for 14 years has been no easy task, Morosco said, as paying rent for the headquarters while keeping ticket prices reasonable presents a conundrum. The theater has garnered support from Sayreville Mayor Kennedy O'Brien, and Morosco said he would like to develop a relationship with Old Bridge administrators. The troupe uses the Theatre at Garden Friends, which is on Bordentown Avenue on the border of Old Bridge and Sayreville. Financial sponsors are always necessary to keep producing the high-quality entertainment that has become their standard, Morosco said. "We're like the best-kept secret in Sayreville," he said. "A Day in the Life" opens tomorrow at 8 p.m., with additional performances Sept. 1, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., and a matinee Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $18 for seniors and students. For more information, call the box office at (732) 553-1153, or visit the Web site at smstc.org.