Back to Bacharach and David, with DeGarmo, Lowe, Mosher and Thomas, Opens April 19

By Andrew Gans
19 Apr 2009

Diana DeGarmo
Diana DeGarmo

Back to Bacharach and David, the musical revue featuring the songs of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, officially opens April 19 at the Music Box @ Fonda on Hollywood Boulevard. Previews began April 15.

Actress-comic Kathy Najimy directs the production, which will run through May 17 at the L.A. venue.

The cast features "American Idol" finalist and former Hairspray star Diana DeGarmo, West End musical actor and "American Idol" contestant Tom Lowe, musical and film actress Tressa Thomas and Hairspray's Susan Mosher (Mosher replaced the previously announced Mary Birdsong.)

Javier Velasco choreographs the production with musical arrangements by Steve Gunderson.

Back to Bacharach and David — described as "a night of amazing voices, comedy, and a tribute to the brilliant songs that Burt Bacharach and Hal David wrote from 1960 to 1970" — was conceived by Najimy and Gunderson.

In a previous statement director Najimy said, "These songs defined 'cool' then and define 'cool' now. Every generation since this music was created, has found relevance in it, been drawn to it, and recreated it. This show is a blast to work on — sexy, moving and funny — with brilliant arrangements. . . . We approach the Bacharach-David catalogue with tons of humor and awe, updated with a modern twist — with four of the most kick ass voices around — and we are thrilled to have the encouragement of Mr. Bacharach and Mr. David themselves for our new production."

Composer Bacharach added, "I saw this show in San Diego a couple of years ago and was quite impressed with the presentation and the musicality. I have always been very particular about how my music is presented on stage and have had some disappointments in the past. Steve Gunderson's musicality and Kathy Najimy's direction makes this a very exciting prospect for me."

The design team comprises set designer Myung Hee Cho, Tony Award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes, Ovation-winning sound designer Martin Carrillo and theatre and rock concert lighting designer Anne Militello. The musical director is Ben Toth.

The Music Box @ Fonda is located at 6126 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets visit www.etix.com.