Review: GOING BACHARACH: THE SONGS OF AN ICON at Apollo Theater
This musical revue of Burt Bacharach's greatest hits runs through May 17th.
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For many, Burt Bacharach is a household name, the soundtrack that spans from childhood to adulthood. For some, Bacharach’s name might not ring a bell, but his wide discography of songs that spans decades, mediums, collaborators, and genres is sure to have even the most musically naive audience members dancing in their seats to some familiar favorites.
In GOING BACHARACH: THE SONGS OF AN ICON, we celebrate the legacy of one of America’s greatest composers at The Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park. Coming from a sold-out, record-breaking run in New York directed by David Zippel and conceived by Jack Lewin, this musical revue of such stylistically diverse repertoire includes soft jazz ballads to pop standards and the fusion of everything in between that makes Bacharach songs exactly what they are.
Under the music direction of Australian jazz pianist Adrian Galante, this show he co-created, arranged, and conducts is relentless in its musical bravado. His brilliant mastery of the keys, blistering displays of technical prowess on the clarinet (including an almost surreal hypnotizing accompaniment on softer vocal tracks), and electrifying command of the room elevated the show, not to mention his very apparent passion and contagious joy in performing and having the honor to bring this tribute to life.
The three vocalists each put their own touch in their homage to Bacharach with sophisticated flourish. John Pagano, who was the featured male vocalist in Burt Bacharach’s touring band for more than 25 years, shows that he’s still got it with his refined understanding and execution of the complexities that make up Bacharach’s song, from the light and catchy “Do You Know The Way to San Jose” to the raw and evocative “God Give Me Strength.”
Photo credit Russ Rowland
Hilary Kole’s jazz background makes her finesse of convoluted rhythms seem effortless. In a brief moment of pulling back the hood on Bacharach’s compelling composition, Kole demonstrates the mixed meter structure in “Promises, Promises” that makes his songs so sensational. Ta-Tynisa Wilson, of Schuyler Sister fame on Broadway and with Chicagoland roots, infuses her own sound to the signature Bacharach style, particularly in her expressive performance of “One Less Bell to Answer” and “The Windows of the World.”
The vocalists, with their beautiful and vibrant blend of harmonies, are accompanied by a jazz quartet made up of our own very Chicago musicians, including Lee Rothenberg on guitar, Joshua Ramos on bass, Ernie Adams on drums, and Karl Montzka on keyboard on press opening night.
The sets included a handful of seamless transitions between songs, such as Kole and Wilson’s sass-filled “Wives and Lovers” and the alternative feminist lyrics into Pagano’s heartfelt “A House Is Not A Home”, not to mention the intentional fast-paced medleys of some of his greatest hits.
Photo credit Russ Rowland
From Kole’s highly anticipated rendition of “Alfie” to Wilson’s powerhouse showstoppers of “Don’t Make Me Over” and “Anyone Who Had a Heart”, the show highlights and honors the historied collaboration with lyricist Hal David and singer Dionne Warwick that will live forever, alongside the other collaborators who had the pleasure of recording Bacharach’s songs, including Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, Dusty Springfield, and so many more.
With scenic design from Christopher & Justin Swader, lighting and sound design from Matt Berman, and tasteful costume design of Frank Cazares, the intimate setting of The Apollo Theater makes Bacharach’s timeless melodies fill the room and touch your soul with a deep appreciation for these beloved classics.
This revue is a dazzling celebration of the true genius of Burt Bacharach, whose iconic masterpieces are given fresh life with these arrangements and orchestrations. Run, don’t walk, to The Apollo Theater to Go Bacharach and get your tickets, because you are sure to leave feeling electrified and rejuvenated in a show that does it right in paying tribute to such an illustrious career of one of the greatest songwriters to ever do it.
GOING BACHARACH: THE SONGS OF AN ICON runs at Chicago's Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Ave. from April 21 – May 17, 2026.
Photo credit: Russ Rowland
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