The Simon & Garfunkel Story is an enthralling musical experience that honours the legendary folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Rather than following the format of a traditional jukebox musical, the production blends live performances with historical narratives and archival footage
projected on a screen behind the performers, providing context for each song. The audience is taken on a chronological journey through the duo's stellar career.
At the heart of the show are the remarkable performances by lead actors Israel Bloodgood (Paul Simon) and Luke Hogan (Art Garfunkel), who channel the essence of Simon and Garfunkel with impressive vocal harmonies and skilled guitar playing.
The evocative opening song, ‘The Sound of Silence’, immediately reassures the audience that they are in safe hands. The second song, ‘He Was My Brother’, is one of the duo’s early and more overtly political tracks. Written by Simon and released on their 1964 debut album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M., the song reflects their early commitment to folk traditions and social commentary.
With the scene now set, the storytelling aspect of the production truly begins as the audience is taken back to 1957 and the duo’s first record, released under the name Tom & Jerry: the Everly Brothers-influenced ‘Hey Little School Girl.’ ‘Bleeker Street’ closes out their first album before the performers move into the next phase of their rise to stardom with songs from Sounds of Silence including ‘Leaves That Are Green,’ ‘Kathy’s Song,’ ‘I Am a Rock,’ and ‘Richard Cory.’ The lead actors are just as comfortable telling the stories behind the songs as they are singing them.
At this point, they introduce the band: Nick Martin (bass guitar), Harry Denton (drums), and Harrison White (keyboards and guitar). The lighting design keeps the focus on the duo out front, but each musician is given their moment in the spotlight.
The narrative progresses into 1966 with selections from Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. ‘Homeward Bound,’ ‘Scarborough Fair,’ and ‘The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)’ close the first half, with the audience singing along in full voice.
The second half opens with a projection about the iconic film The Graduate, followed by a rousing rendition of ‘Mrs. Robinson.’ ‘Hazy Shade of Winter’ comes next, followed by perhaps the show’s one misstep: a collage of voices set against a projection of changing faces. Only those familiar with the Bookends album would recognise this as the track ‘Voices of Old People.’ Fortunately, the show quickly recovers with more songs from Bookends, including ‘America’ and ‘Old Friends.’
The story moves to 1970 and the release of the epic Bridge Over Troubled Water, the best-selling album of that year, and the next two. ‘Cecilia,’ ‘Keep the Customer Satisfied,’ and what is described as the duo’s breakup song, Simon’s poignant ‘The Only Living Boy in New York’ have the audience on its feet, clapping and singing along. Despite its success, the recording of Bridge Over Troubled Water had been fraught, and Simon and Garfunkel's relationship had deteriorated to the point where they could no longer work together. The stage darkens, and a projected backdrop carries the audience through the 1970s while the band plays a medley of Simon’s solo songs.
The duo returns to the stage to recreate their 1981 comeback at The Concert in Central Park. They perform ‘Late in the Evening,’ ‘Baby Driver,’ and end with a cover of the Everly Brothers’ ‘Bye Bye Love.’ Another set of projections carries the story through the 1980s and up to the present day.
The audience wants more, and the duo returns for an encore—a jaw-dropping rendition of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water.’ Luke Hogan, as Art Garfunkel, has the audience absolutely rapt, and when Israel Bloodgood, as Paul Simon, returns for the ‘sail on, silver girl’ part, the roof comes off. The final song of the night is a stirring version of ‘The Boxer.’
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a truly memorable show, made exceptional by the talent of its two lead performers. Their voices blend so closely that they often sound like a single, unified voice rather than two individuals. Their close harmonies capture the very essence of Simon and Garfunkel. Catch it if you can, for a nostalgic and thoroughly enjoyable evening of musical entertainment.
https://www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com/events/uk-eire/1/1/
Reviewer – Adrian Cork
On – 27.05.2025
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