**** Many of you will not recognize the name of the composer that this show, “Going Bacharach” is about, but will know a majority of the works he created. This tribute to the man and his music was created by Will Friedwald, Adrian Galante, Tedd Firth & Jack Lewin ( who conceived the idea). Firth did the music supervision and Galante the orchestrations and arrangements and is also the pianist for the show as well as conductor, and he plays a mean oboe!
Burt Freeman Bacharach (/ˈbækəræk/ BAK-ə-rak; May 12, 1928 – February 8, 2023) was an American composer, songwriter, record producer, and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures of 20th-century popular music.[4][5][6] He composed hundreds of pop songs, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David. His music features atypical chord progressions and time signature changes, influenced by his background in jazz, and uncommon selections of instruments for small orchestras. He arranged, conducted, and produced much of his recorded output.
The show, as mentioned above, is a tribute to the icon and instead of having someone act as if they were the composer ( as is how many tributes are done), director David Zippel has brought in three singers who understand the music and the feelings of Bacharach and his music. They are John Pagano, who had the privilege of working with Bacharach for over 20 years, Ta-Tynisa Wilson ( from Chicago) and the amazing Hilary Kole. These three singers and the very powerful Galante, take us on a history lesson and explain how different his music was, as well as the various types- popular songs, films, TV series , Broadway ,and anthems.
Songs like “Walk On By”, “Promises, Promises”, What The World Needs Now, Is Love Sweet Love” is a song that every audience member will know ( no matter the age), and of course, “That’s What Friends are For”, will probably bring back a ton of memories.
There were many audience members who were moving their lips with every song, recalling a special moment in their lives, when that particular song meant something. During the encore, after a standing ovation, many stayed on their feet, swaying back and forth to the encore, “That’s What Friends are For”, and as we left the theater, all smiles, I can speak for my party, we would have handled more ( and loved every minute).
The song list can go on forever, and rather than try to list them all, I am suggesting that you clear your calendar and get yourself ( and bring along some loved ones) to the Apollo Theater located at 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue for 2 hours of pure “love, sweet love”!
“Going Bachrach” will continue at The Apollo Theater Thru – May 17th with performances as follows:
Wednesdays 2:30pm & 7:30pmThursdays 7:30pm
Fridays 7:30pm
Saturdays 2:30pm & 7:30pm
Sundays 1:00pm & 4:30pm (4/26 no evening show)
Show Type: Performance Art/Cabaret
Box Office: 773-935-6100
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Going Bacharach: the songs of an Icon”.
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