THE BRITISH INVASION ... AGAIN!  HERMAN'S HERMITS PERFORMS AT COUNT BASIE THEATRE

by Susan Murphy
The Lincroft Journal, August 2003

	Peter Noone on stage at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey (June 25, 2003) during a show produced by The Cryers

The audience that attended the June 25th show at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank had no idea what was in store for them when Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits bounded on stage.  Dressed in black leather pants, black shirt, and wearing a light colored long suit jacket, he jumped right into singing the hits that made him a legendary pop star in the 60's.

In an unbelievably exciting show, Peter told jokes, goofed on other famous English bands, danced across the stage, had the audience participate in a sing-a-long, and even did a great impression of Country singer Johnny Cash.  Peter easily hit all the high notes in his songs, and never wavered from the sound he originally created for Herman's Hermits.

His never-ending energy kept the audience cheering, clapping in time to the music, and begging for more. The ladies in the audience finally had to run to the stage to get a closer look, and a possible chance to shake Peter's hand.  It was just like the 60's!

Peter not only proved his voice was still fantastic after 30 plus years, but he gave the audience a view of himself as a true all-around entertainer.  He exemplifies what healthy living, hard work, practice, and a positive attitude can do for a performer.

Women in the audience readily gave me comments about the show.  Most were there because Peter had captured their hearts a long time ago, and they wanted to see him now as an adult.  For many, he still "had it"!  Sharon from Avon-by-the-Sea admitted, "I'm 37, single, and I'm here to see my heartthrob!"  She laughed and added, "I have been waiting to see this man since I was 10.  I had a plan that he would marry my sister and we would all be a family!"  Eleanor Schwartz of Colts Neck brought her daughter, Bari Sobel, and granddaughter Rebecca, 11.  "He's adorable, and a really nice guy," said Eleanor.

Nick Trocchia, owner of Monmouth Music in Red Bank, came with his sister, Donna.  "She was six years older than me so I remember the songs from her playing them over and over again."  Nick said he was amazed at the energy Peter had on stage.  He added that his sister was grinning from ear to ear after the show!

Donna Drosendahl of Cherry Hill could barely contain herself in the set.  "I had a crush on Peter when I was 14 years old.  I saw him in Pennsauken at an outside concert and fell in love again after 40 years!  His talent and charisma are mesmerizing, and listening to his songs transports me back to a time when life was simpler and a lot more fun.  He can still make my knees weak!"  Her daughter, Dori Belmont of Long Beach was impressed with the show.  "Peter gave a wonderful concert, and got the audience totally involved, singing and dancing in the aisles.  I finally found out why my Mom is such a big fan.  He is still cute and a great performer."

So, Herman's Hermits fans, there you have it.  Seeing Peter Noone perform is a guaranteed revival of the absolute, best time in your life.  He will take you back in time, make your feet dance, and flash you that charming smile that will make your heart pound once again.  What could be better than that?!

Peter Noone's website is www.peternoone.com.

[Opening for Noone that evening were] The Cryers.  The seven-member band just returned from their performance in Atlantic City.  Lead vocalist Joe Orlando kept the group jumping from one song to the next. "Proud Mary," "Mustang Sally," "La Bamba," and "Runaway" were just a few of the songs they performed.  "We love to do what we do," said Joe.  "I like to play what I like to hear, my favorites.  It seems to be working well with the audience."  The Cryers consist of Joe Orlando on bass, Belle Liao on keyboard, Jeff Brown on rhythm guitar, Bob Payne on drums, Adam Glenn on keyboard, Paul Fossgreen on lead guitar, and back-up singer, Pam Hanlon.  The group explodes onstage!  They move from song to song without hesitation, and play each one with all they've got!  Check out their website: www.thecryers.com for information on upcoming shows and background information on the group.

This show was brought together by [The Cryers'] Joe Orlando.  "We try to bring well-known acts to local venues for everyone's convenience, so people can enjoy a show right in their own backyard," explained Joe.