BWW Reviews: BACK TO BACHARACH AND DAVID at Theatre Three: An Ode To the 60's

Back to Bacharach and David is a nice little gem of a revue. I was vaguely familiar with the music, but not familiar with this particular show prior to seeing it. However, with it being directed by the fantastic Long Island theatre vet Steve McCoy, I knew the audience would be in for a treat.

The show, as the title dictates, features Burt Bacharach and Hal David's biggest hits of the 1960's. Originally conceived by Steve Gunderson and Kathy Najimy, it made its off-Broadway debut in 1992 with Mr. Gunderson in the cast. Theatre Three's incarnation had a wonderful cast comprised of Michael Butera, TracyLynn Conner, Suzanne Mason, and Jennifer Collester Tully, each using their own name in the show. Everyone sounded fantastic and they performed 32 songs from Bacharach/David collection, some in rep.

The premise set at the beginning of the two-act performance was they are all co-workers at a local bar, closing up for the night. After a little dialog, the only in the show, they began the concert-like production with "The Look Of Love". They included, of course, some of the writing team's biggest songs like "A House Is Not A Home", "I Say A Little Prayer", and "Promises, Promises". Also among the audience favorites were "Always Something There To Remind Me", "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head", "What The World Needs Now", and a fun rendition of "Another Night". They even combined several of the songs and everything flowed very well.

Another highlight was the set done by Randall Parsons. The long, wooden, rustic bar with tall chairs took up half the stage. The entrance to the bar and another table were on the right side of the stage and a large window hung from above. Additionally, the costumes, done by Mr. Parsons and Bonnie Vidal, were simple as there were no costume or scene changes for the entire production. Green tee shirts were worn by all, but they made them their own. For example, Jennifer had one shoulder exposed while TracyLynn wore shorts and tights.

Indeed, you won't be disappointed if you're a devoted Bacharach/David fan. The cast is beyond talented and do the songs justice. Additionally, Theatre Three is on its way to a beautiful restoration. As it runs through March 30^th, don't "Walk On By" Theatre Three and check out this delightful production.

Back To Bacharach And David is presented by Theatre Three in Port Jefferson, Long Island. Music by Burt Bacharach, Lyrics by Hal David, Directed by Steve McCoy, Musical Direction by Rick Deangelis, Scenic Design by Randall Parsons, Costume Design by Bonnie Vidal and Randall Parsons, Lighting Design by Robert W. Henderson, Jr., Properties by Julie Hoffman, Technical Direction by Neil Creedon of Avancy, Inc., Production Stage Manager is Michelle Manda. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 928-9100 or visit theatrethree.com.

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