A review of the 2013 New York City production of this show on vulture.com addresses what probably are most of our concerns about this play. Referring to a previous revue of Bacharach tunes called Look of Love that “icked its way to Broadway and closed amid much derision” it gets right to the point. But vulture fortunately goes on to say this new show “has not only figured out how to make the songs work onstage but how to make them sing with deep feeling that matches their surprising content. It’s a revelation — and it’s fantastic. “
I know that Bacharach can be brilliantly re-imagined based on Painted from Memory, a fantastic collaboration between Elvis Costello and Bacharach.
And how about Chrissie Hynde doing Message to Michael? I love this one!
and one more for the record is Ben Folds singing Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.
So despite the risk of cringe-worthy moments listening to 1970s songs that one might expect of a Bacharach revue, i’m going to take a chance on this one.
From the Menier: “Direct from its hugely successful run in New York, Burt Bacharach’s celebrated songbook is given an exciting new interpretation with Kyle Riabko’s thrillingly original musical arrangements. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Steven Hoggett, the show is a dynamic 90-minute non-stop musical journey in which the 27 –year-old Riabko leads a talented group of young performers through Bacharach’s classic melodies, blending nostalgia and innovation, where generations old and new can revel in the joy of the Bacharach catalogue as if for the very first time.”After being introduced to Bacharach at a Los Angeles recording studio, Riabko created a series of demos, reinterpreting Bacharach’s greatest hits. Over the ensuing months, he took the demos to Bacharach who gave his blessing to What’s It All About? Bacharach Reimagined . After seeing the show, Bacharach said it felt as though he had received “a love letter” and commented, “Kyle has done something truly unique with my music.”
