West End's CLOSE TO YOU Announces Extension, Through Feb. 14

Opening to public and critical acclaim on 15 October, new musical CLOSE TO YOU featuring Burt Bacharach's songbook, broke box office records at the Criterion Theatre with the biggest advance in the venue's history.

Sally Greene, Chief Executive of the Criterion Theatre said: 'I couldn't be more thrilled that we have been able to agree an extension of five weeks with the wonderful company of Close To You. It has been a pleasure to welcome such a warm-hearted and joyous show, and even better that they have broken all box office records!'

Burt Bacharach said: 'CLOSE TO YOU: Bacharach Reimagined' is a beautiful Valentine to me, and it's also a Valentine to the audiences who are fortunate enough to experience it. I'm thrilled to hear that its West End run is being extended due to popular demand until Valentine's Day which also seems very fitting since most of my songs are love songs. I am in awe of what Kyle Riabko has done with my music, and I'm truly in love with this extraordinary show. It's very gratifying to know that London audiences have embraced 'CLOSE TO YOU' and my music in the way that they have and that they'll have the next few months to see the show if they haven't already, or to see it again before it ends its glorious run at The Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly Circus on the 14th of February.'

Performed by a young, multi-talented cast led by the visionary musician and performer Kyle Riabko, the show features Riabko's thrillingly new yet beautifully faithful interpretations of Bacharach's classics. Blending nostalgia and innovation, generations old and new can now revel in all the hits as if for the very first time. The show redefines the songbook musical by fusing this extraordinary reinterpretation of over 30 timeless Bacharach melodies with innovative choreography, taking the audience on an emotional and exhilarating journey.

The show, newly renamed CLOSE TO YOU, premiered to critical acclaim and was a smash hit at New York Theatre Workshop, original home of both Once and Rent, becoming the longest running show in the history of that theatre, followed recently by a sold out and highly acclaimed run at The Menier Chocolate Factory. The production at the Criterion Theatre will be the last opportunity for audiences to see the show in the West End.

Directed by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett, best known for his iconic movement for such hits as Once, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Black Watch, Riabko leads an incredibly talented group of singers and musicians from both sides of the Atlantic through Bacharach's greatest hits.

CLOSE TO YOU makes hearts sing and spirits soar with such classics as Alfie, Anyone Who Had a Heart, I Say a Little Prayer, Magic Moments, The Look of Love, Walk on By, Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, I'll Never Fall in Love Again, What's New Pussycat, I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself, This Guy's in Love With You, What the World Needs Now is Love and, of course, Close to You.

The New York Theater Workshop / Menier Chocolate Factory production of CLOSE TO YOU is presented in the West End by David Lane Seltzer for Entertainment 360, the producing arm of Management 360, also responsible for the blockbuster TV series Game of Thrones and the upcoming, highly anticipated Danny Boyle-directed Steve Jobs biopic.

CLOSE TO YOU features Music by Burt Bacharach and Lyrics by Hal David and others, with Musical Arrangements by Kyle Riabko who also conceived the show with Seltzer, and is Directed by Steven Hoggett, with Set Design by Christine Jones and Brett Banakis, Costume Design by Matthew Wright, Lighting Design by Tim Lutkin, and Sound Design by Richard Brooker.

Daniel Bailen, Anastacia McClesky, and James Williams are appearing with the permission of Actors' Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors' Equity Association for its assistance of this production.

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