Lennon: Through A Glass Onion at The Union Square Theatre

The New York Times - Highly Recommended

"...Mr. Waters, a film and TV star in Australia, has been performing "Lennon" since 1992, including runs at the Sydney Opera House and in the West End of London. His and Mr. D'Arrietta's familiarity with the material is such that they occasionally hasten through the production's 90 minutes. They should take their time. The plain-spoken and acerbic Lennon comes off as someone you'd have loved to have a beer with. And the Beatle fanatics sure to see this show will want to savor every minute."

New York Post - Somewhat Recommended

"...Even so, the stripped-down arrangements often don't do justice to the material, and the show never comes close to transcending that of a reverential tribute. But for legions of baby boomers, "Glass Onion" - its title lifted from a track on The Beatles' White Album- may be a satisfying meal in itself."

Entertainment Weekly - Recommended

"...This willingness to tinker with Lennon's music and to explore his legacy in sometimes unsavory ways makes Through a Glass Onion shine. Narrative glue binds ''Julia'' and ''Mother'' (from 1968's The Beatles and 1970's John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, respectively), and the pairing illuminates how Lennon's tormented childhood influenced his approach to parenting later in life. Waters' haggard voice shines on rougher Lennon cuts like ''I'm So Tired'' and ''How Do You Sleep?''; because Lennon died at 40, he never maturely reinterpreted his songs as Paul McCartney has. If Lennon was still alive, he'd likely tackle ''Norwegian Wood'' in much the same way as Waters and D'Arrieta: with subdued magnificence, and awareness of the trappings of society."

TheaterMania - Not Recommended

"...In truth, it's very hard to go wrong with these songs. They're all classics for which the audience has a preexisting affinity. If you just sing them halfway decently and get the crowds nodding along, you've already done most of the job. However, this strange concept sabotages any hope for the event to build into a satisfying groove. "Come together...right now," Waters sings with increasing energy. The audience leans in for the inevitable, "Over me," but it never arrives: Waters is already monologuing about something else. This is the musical equivalent of Lucy setting up the football for Charlie Brown and then pulling it away at the last minute."

Huffington Post - Somewhat Recommended

"...Waters dons a Liverpool accent, and recreates Lennon (and McCartney) classics, but in a voice more reminiscent of Dylan than the provocative Beatle. Admittedly Lennon is a tough act to follow, which makes Through A Glass Onion, though sincere, hard to pull off."