The Upcoming Review - Close to You: Bacharach Reimagined at Criterion Theatre
The energetic young cast of seven are fronted by Kyle Riabko (co-conceiver of the show and provider of the lead vocal and considerable guitar skills upon which its sound is built) in dancing the audience through his unique and fresh arrangements of over 30 Bacharach hits. The sheer range of talent on display facilitates masterful delivery in a variety of stylistic forms – from high-tempo, rocky interpretations of Message to Michael and Do You Know the Way to San Jose?, through to a finale including a reggae-tinge to What the World Needs Now Is Love. A middle section of Bacharach’s ballads showcases the contrasting sweet/soulful voices of Stephanie McKeon and Anastacia McCleskey to heart-wrenching effect, with the latter’s paired-back, powerhouse performance of Don’t Make Me Over a real highlight.