Imagine: The Life and Song of John Lennon

John Lennon, a troubled musical prodigy from working class Liverpool, England, rode the dizzying ascension of the Beatles to international stardom, and became one of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of the 20th-century. Along the way, Lennon experienced a transformation from bullying boyfriend and intractable “teddy boy,” to a more emotionally mature adult – changes often visible in his song lyrics. He evolved into a peace activist and constant voice of antipathy toward U.S. involvement in Vietnam, which in those days of Nixon administration ‘enemies list’ paranoia, led to his being pursued by the FBI and U.S. Immigration Department.

In this dynamic examination of the life of a rock star rebel-turned-revolutionary, Lennon’s personal and professional journey is recounted in narration with slides, and his songs performed live in rich harmony by Joan Friedenberg and Bill Bowen, who sing professionally as the PinkSlip Duo. The music is integrated into the narrative, with lyrics projected on a screen for audience sing-along.