BWW Reviews: Broadway Palm Belts Bacharach in BURT & ME

With God (Buddha, Shiva, Kali, Cthulhu - take your pick) as my witness, I never knew "Always Something There to Remind Me" was a Burt Bacharach and Hal David song. This child of the '80s thinks synthesizers and Naked Eyes. Who knew? Obviously not me.

"I was born to love you, and I will never be free / You'll always be a part of me, whoa oh whoa"

So when the cast started crooning the tune at the top of Broadway Palm's "Burt & Me," I was a) rather surprised and b) decided that I was in for a far better night than I'd anticipated. I wasn't wrong, either.

"Burt & Me" emerges really fun, if flighty, but John Ramsey leads a vocally talented, enthusiastic cast that puts an appealing spin on the thin material.

Shockingly prolific, Bacharach and writing partner Hal David produced an enormous body of work. "Burt & Me" plucks many of the best, most recognizable tunes, like "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?" "Wishin' and Hopin'," "Promises, Promises" and disco sensation "Turkey Lurkey Time" from that same musical. And that's just the first act!

"Burt & Me" departs slightly from the usual revue playbook. Writer Larry McKenna fashions the story of Joe and Lacey, two nice kids who grow up, court, go to college, yada yada yada to the backdrop of 19 Bacharach ballads. It's not Shakespeare, but at least there's a plot, not just a random collection of Bacharach songs.

Director/choreographer Amy Marie McCleary packs the show with fun. Ramsey, playing a youngster, transitions from studying California geography to tapping tableware to tinkling keys in "San Jose." Later, the ensemble flirts with hormonal abandon in a Catholic schoolyard, singing "Wishin' and Hopin'" while all-star utility player Chuck Caruso's stern nun beats time with a ruler. Look too for Rendell DeBose and Sheira Feuerstein; the duo's love/hate comedy act sparkles.

Ramsey, a longtime Broadway Palm favorite, proves his true star power here. He sings, he dances, his Joe courts a brilliant, smiling, charming Kate Marshall's Lacey with a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step. If "One Less Bell to Answer" might break your heart, then "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," with its dashing, effervescent choreography, makes you believe the magic and roses of romance.

McCleary smartly adds Taylor Murphy Hale and Sami Doherty to her ensemble; some versions of the show have used a smaller cast. With vocal heft comes an added bonus, she can now choreograph routines for six actors instead of four. Beyond visual variety, the stage seems fuller; Jim Conti also gains walking mannequins for his wryly comic fashions.

Loren Strickland's on-stage band gives a thumping performance; look for Strickland having far too much fun on the keyboards. "Burt & Me" serves up one of the best revues around. Take advantage of the $45 pre-season ticket prices and enjoy Bacharach, buffet and some beautiful voices.

Chris Silk is the arts writer and theater critic for the Naples Daily News. To read the longer version of this review, go to: http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/aug/23/review-broadway-palm-burt-bacharach-burt-and-me/.

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