John Lennon
Tony Garofalo: Founder, Producer, and Events Coordinator of "StrawberryFields" John impersonator, Rhythm Guitar, Lead guitar, Piano, Mouth Organ, Lead Vocals
Tony brings to the stage a huge musical background and a lifetime of stage experience. He studied and taught both rock guitar and the fine art of classical guitar, for over two decades and has performed in countless various musical settings that include jazz, rock, heavy metal, and most notably as John Lennon in the present day touring company billed as the "The Broadway Cast of Beatlemania." Musical credits include sharing the stage with Paul McCartney's drummer "Steve Holly," as well as "The Johnny Winter Band." Tony recreates the very essence of John Lennon through his powerful vocals, confident stage mannerisms, and his ability to cosmetically transcend into three separate stages of John Lennon's life. He has been cited by critics as one of the foremost John Lennon impersonators in the world.
Paul McCartney
Billy J. Ray: Original Broadway "Beatlemania" cast member Paul impersonator since 1978, Bass Guitar, Piano, Lead Vocals
Billy bears an uncanny resemblance to Paul. He has that certain boyish charm and devil-may-care attitude that captivates any audience. He can sing the rockers with unbounded energy and change gears quickly to render a soft, beautiful ballad in Paul's inimitable style. His Hofner "Beatle Bass" and Rickenbacker Model 4001 complete the look, feel, and mesmerizing aura that is unique to Paul McCartney. Billy Ray does Paul with just the right amount of gusto with a dash of sensitivity. Of course he does - he's Broadway "Beatlemania's" Amazing Left-Handed Paul! Wow!
George Harrison
Mark Vaccacio: Original Broadway "Beatlemania" cast member and Casting Director since 1977 George impersonator, Musical Director of Strawberry Fields, Lead Guitar, Piano, Lead Vocals
Mark, better known as "Farquar" to his friends, is also known simply as "The Maestro." He starred for three years on Broadway as John Lennon in "Beatlemania." He also created and starred as John in the live production, "Imagine," with actual members of John Lennon's backup band, "Elephant's Memory," and can be heard playing guitar and singing along with Ringo Starr and The Monkees on the national television commercial for Pizza Hut. Mark's work as Executive Producer of the backing tracks for "Strawberry Fields" is the latest feather in his ever-expanding cap. His guitar fans are increasing in number as the band moves from one successful gig to another. No, he's not your average "Cardboard Cut-Out Beatle."
Ringo Starr
Gerard Barberine Jr.: Member of "The Touring Cast of Beatlemania" Ringo impersonator, Drums, Percussion, Lead Vocals
The son of a drummer, Gerard actually can't remember when he first started playing drums. From his first trio in sixth grade to a stint as a session drummer in California, he can't believe his luck to be performing as his idol, Ringo Starr, in the Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band on the Planet, "Strawberry Fields!" Having spent two years in Paris, with a group called "Oddband," he returned to New York in 1981 to form one of the East Coast's premiere showbands, "Steppin' Out. " Gerard comments: "Of all the projects I've been involved with, ‘Strawberry Fields' is, without a doubt, the most exciting and rewarding group I've ever played with." Gerard brings to the stage Ringo's familiar mannerisms, as well as the flawless drumming musicality so familiar to the hardcore Beatle fan which has become our best audience for over a decade. He's probably the best "pure" drummer ever to portray Ringo - case closed! Gerard prides himself in using authentic Ludwig drums, Zildjian cymbals, a myriad of new, unique, and colorful costume changes, and of course, an arsenal of Ringo rings which are naturally Ringo's trademarks. Oh yes, we've forgotten one other thing - Ringo's nose!
Jeff "Fred" Gottschalk: Jeff Gottschalk (Rabdaddy Studios, Flushing, NY) created the note-for-note, sound-for-sound, screw-for-screw backing tracks for the "Strawberry Fields" live stage show. Jeff is a producer, arranger, and composer. One of his songs ("Say What's On Your Mind") was recorded by one of America's biggest stars, Cher, but he will most likely be forever-remembered for his creative send-up of the Doo-Wop era with that famous "Crazy Eddie" commercial - you know the one that takes place in the high school bathroom with those lovable "greasers." He gets inquiries from all over the world about this terrific acappella ditty (which he wrote and sang - multiple vocal parts). He also performs with Dino Danelli and Gene Cornish (bona fide members of "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame") in "The New Rascals" as Lead Singer, Keyboardist, and Bassist singing all of "The Young Rascal's" greatest hits. Overall, Jeff is just a very talented cat. Click here to find out more....