Rain coming ... yeah, yeah, yeah

Every day is Beatlemania for Ralph Castelli. For the last two decades, the California-born drummer has portrayed Ringo Starr as a member of Rain, a Beatles tribute act.

Rain will perform Thursday at Memorial Auditorium. The show goes beyond simply being a look-alike, sound-alike act. A Rain performance includes several costume changes and multimedia components such as still images and commercials from the Beatles era.

The music itself is performed live and covers the entire Fab Four catalog.

“We build sets,” Castelli said. “We start with an Ed Sullivan replica and then build sets around all the albums.

“We chose all the hits that we could possibly do in two and a half hours.”

Castelli became a Beatles fan himself while watching the band make its American debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964. He knew then he wanted to be a drummer.

He has portrayed Starr in both the Broadway and film versions of “Beatlemania.” He said his playing style and sense of humor are similar to those of Starr, for whom he has a lot of respect.

“He was the heart and soul of the band,” Castelli said. “He was a fabulous drummer, and he taught many people how to drum.” He said Rain shows typically draw three generations of fans.

“There is a lot of pointing and laughing at the nostalgic commercials,” he said. “People will point and say, ‘I remember that one.’

“The fans really have a great time coming to the show.”

If You Go

What: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles.

When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.

Admission: $45.50.

Phone: 642-TIXS.