Interview: Dean Elliott of THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL SHOW at APPELL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Simon & Garfunkel SHOW is an "internationally- acclaimed hit theatre show" that is coming to The Appell Center for the Performing Arts, in York, PA, on September 24, 2017. The 50th anniversary show celebrating all the hits from the folk-rock duo will be performed in over 45 U.S. and Canadian cities from coast to coast. Songs like, "Sounds of Silence," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Homeward Bound," and many more familiar hits, will be performed, accompanied by a full live orchestra. The story is told from their unassuming beginnings to rising singing sensations in the 1960's and to their unexpected split in 1970. The show cumulates their success with the showcase of the famous 1981 "Concert in Central Park" reunion performance which over a half a million people attended. Dean Elliott, the producer for the show, shared some insight on the production.

Christy Brooks: How many years has this production been touring internationally?

Dean Elliott: The show has been running for 4 years now and I simply cannot believe just how successful it has been all around the world.

Christy Brooks: What other shows have you produced?

Dean Elliott: We have another very successful show called 'The Summer Of Love' which is also touring but last year we produced a show about Charlie Chaplin's childhood in London called 'Chaplin', the West End hit show 'Woody Sez' and a show about Carole King and James Taylor's musical partnership called 'You've Got A Friend'.

Christy Brooks: Did you appear in this show as Paul Simon?

Dean Elliott: I did! - I was the first ever Paul Simon way back when it was first produced in England in 2014.

Christy Brooks: What is the most challenging part regarding the logistics of putting together such a production?

Dean Elliott: International logistics! - We have now toured through Australia, Asia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Middle East, Scandinavia and most of Europe. Trying to organize that amount of logistics is extremely challenging and time consuming. Not to mention the language barriers!

Christy Brooks: Would you give me an example of a "happy accident" that occurred while on tour?

Dean Elliott: I can't think of any specific one but we constantly meet people who have known either Art or Paul. And we find that fascinating. From a man who offered Paul a sofa to sleep on in the mid 60s in Northern England to the Italian musician who gave Art Garfunkel Lute lessons in Milan!

Christy Brooks: What is the main subtext of the show that you want to be paramount for the audience?

Dean Elliott: It's a real trip down memory lane. Simon & Garfunkel's career was very much cemented in the 1960s and their songs spoke of that era. Through video technology we can take people back to the 60s and back to that time all the while providing them with the soundtrack to their youth.

Christy Brooks: Why do you believe this show is so successful with many generations?

Dean Elliott: The music is timeless and incredibly well written. The themes throughout their songs are still very relevant today and speak to people from all around the world. Not to mention some very catchy tunes.

Christy Brooks: How long between projects do you have normally?

Dean Elliott: We try to create 4 shows a year.

Christy Brooks: Where is home for you and what is it that you miss most when you are away from it?

Dean Elliott: I live in rural England in a converted farm barn. It is as postcard rural England as you can imagine. I miss it terribly when I am away. A far cry from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan where most of these songs and the show is set!

Christy Brooks: Because this show mandates a visual as well as a sound authenticity, how hard has it been to cast?

Dean Elliott: It is always very difficult to ask a grown man to Perm his hair! The real difficulty, however, is getting two singers with voices which blend. You can be the best singer in the world but if it doesn't blend with your fellow "Art" or "Paul" then it doesn't work.

Christy Brooks: Thank you for your time and insight into this exciting production.

Ticket information for THE Simon & Garfunkel SHOW-which has been seen by more than a quarter-million people throughout the U.K. and Europe- can be purchased online at AppellCenter.org or by calling the Appell Center Box Office at 717-846-1111.

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