“The Simon & Garfunkel Story”

[rating=5] There are Broadway musicals and there are Broadway musicals. Awhile back, Broadway in Chicago presented a show/concert called “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” at The Broadway Playhouse ( Water Tower Place) and now, it is on a tour with a stop in Chicago’s CIBC Theatre. This is a lot larger venue, but with great sound I must tell you  it was amazing.  The talent on the stage was amazing and while the show is more of a telling of “their” story by two musicians with a band behind them. in many ways it is a history lesson/concert combined. I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the stars, George Clements on my radio show. George is one of two actors playing Paul Simon. My friend, Paul Lisnek, from WGN Radio and TV who also does a Comcast “Behind the Curtain” series interviewed Brendan Smith ( recently seen on “America’s Got Talent”- and boy! Does he!) playing Art Garfunkel ( one of three).

They really don’t play them, but instead represent them. After all, this is sort of a “concert”. I think both Paul and I were happy to see that the actors we interviewed were in fact the ones we were seeing. There was no pre-announcement or signage and the program showed all of those who are playing the roles on the tour. I almost felt that Paul was prouder than I was because his “guy” was recently on AGT! Both of these guys were terrific and fully deserved the standing ovation the full house gave them.

This is called an “immersive” concert. They do ask us to clap and they certainly didn’t mind some whoops and hollers from the audience. After, all this is a sort of concert that tells a story. The story is about two boys who grew up near each other, became childhood friends and went into music. What they created was award winning works that are still as loved today as they were back in the 60’s and 70’s. Yes, this audience was both young and old- lovers of the sounds created by these men. Let’s face it, they sold over 100 million albums since 1965. Their harmony was magnificent, making them the most successful folk-rock duo of all time. Their inspiration was The Everly Brothers and even in this show, as a tribute to the heroes of Simon and Garfunkel, they did an Everly Brothers song.

We also learn about the split in their paths as well as the “Concert in Central park” that brought in over 500,000 people for one night. After that we are given information about what each did in the years to follow,  and of course tossed in are facts about them being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and their lifetime Grammy Award. The songs were familiar to most of those in attendance- “Mrs. Robinson”, “Cecilia”, “Homeward Bound” Bridge Over Troubled Water” , Sounds of Silence” and many more.

If you love their music ( I am speaking of Simon & Garfunkel) you will be in heaven attending this production. In fact, you may feel that you have become a time traveler and are back in  1981 at Central park. Both Clements and Smith are perfect in what they bring to the stage, as singers and story tellers. I think both Paul and I were happy to see just how good they were.

The band, Zach Kamins ( keyboards)Bob Sale ( drums), Marc Encabo (bass guitar) and Josh Vasquez (guitars) were right on target, never missing a beat.

The video design ( ZFrame) was powerful. Videos, slides and other shots that highlighted the times and what was taking place in our world. Civil unrest has yet to be resolved and ended. Much of the music of this period was relative to this, and this concert shows that. Jeff Good’s sound is perfect and the lighting by Mike Berger Design adds to the overall picture that this production promised us. History! Music! Entertainment! Director Dean Elliot, you have put together a truly wonderful experience!

The only problem with this production is that it is only here thru the 27th!

Yes, just one week with performances as follows:

Wednesday  7:30p.m.

Thursday  7:30 p.m.

Friday  7:30 p.m.

Saturday  2 p.m. and  8 p.m.

Sunday  2 p.m.  and 7 p.m.

The CBIC Theatre is located at 18 West Monroe Street. There are several spots for dinner in walking distance

Tickets range from $25- $80 and can be ordered at www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Info on the show can be found at  www.thesimonandgarfunelstory.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Simon & Garfunkel Story”.

For parking info call 773-436-PARK

All Covid  Protocol is followed by the theater.