BWW Preview: WHAT THEY DID FOR LOVE Opening at Quality Hill Playhouse in Kansas City

A season dedicated to the film music of the 1960s and 1970s cinema continues at the Quality Hill Playhouse at 303 W. 10 on April 17. The tunes of Marvin Hamlisch and Burt Bacharach come alive in What They Did for Love: The Music of Marvin Hamlisch and Burt Bacharach. The intimate cabaret revue runs through May 17.

Featured in the first act is the work of Hamlisch. Hamlisch wrote Academy Award winning scores for The Sting and The Way We Were. In addition to songs from these films, the act will include "Nobody Does It Better" from The Spy Who Loved Me and selections from the Broadway hit that in 1985 became a movie, Chorus Line.

A tribute to the songs of Kansas City native Burt Bacharach comprises the second act. "The Look of Love" from Casino Royale, "Alfie", and "What the World Needs Now" from Last of the Red Hot Lovers, and "Close to You" from The Heartbreak Kid are included in the second act.

Melinda MacDonald, Tim Noland, and LeShea Wright join Producing Artistic Director J. Kent Barnhart in this celebration of two of the 8-track era's foremost songwriters. Barnhart directs the show and serves as emcee. Accompanying the performers are Ken Remmert on drums and Brian Wilson on bass.

MacDonald has appeared in nearly 30 productions at Quality Hill Playhouse, including last season's All Sinatra and Rhapsody in Gershwin. Tim Noland appeared in the inaugural production of Quality Hill in 1995 and in Rhapsody in Gershwin. Wright returns to the playhouse where she last performed in Christmas in Song earlier this season. Barnhart has worked as pianist, musical director, stage director, and producer for over 25 years and has produced over 100 Musicals, plays, and original cabaret revues.

What They Did for Love: The Music of Marvin Hamlisch and Burt Bacharach runs through May 17 with single tickets $34 each. Discounts are available for students, seniors, and groups. Purchase tickets at 816-421-1700 or visit the Quality Hill Playhouse website. Photo courtesy of Quality Hill Playhouse.