The Simon & Garfunkel Story comes to New Zealand
Their voices provided a soundtrack to an entire generation, and now, Simon and Garfunkel’s iconic music is returning to our shores thanks to a unique new production fresh from London’s West End. The Simon and Garfunkel Story stars Gregory Clarke as Paul Simon and Joe Sterling as Art Garfunkel and explores their rise to fame, tumultuous relationship, that iconic performance in Central Park, and – of course – the music.
Over60 chatted with Gregory Clarke about what drew him to play a music legend, and why it is that Simon and Garfunkel’s music continues to resonate with so many.
What drew you to this role? Have you always been a fan of Simon & Garfunkel?
Yes. As pure coincidence would have it, Simon & Garfunkel have been one of my all-time favourite groups since my teens, when I started getting into music properly. As a fan of acoustic stuff and harmonies, it's no surprise I found those guys pretty quickly!
For our readers who haven’t heard of the show, could you give us a brief overview of what we can expect from it? What’s special about it?
It is a 2-hour journey through the life of Simon and Garfunkel, from their start as schoolboys trying their hand at rock n roll, all the way through to their split at the height of their fame. Along the way you get all the hits you want to hear, as well as a couple of lesser-known gems. With a live band accompanying the two voices and acoustic guitar, we are able to really get as close as possible to recreating the classic sound you hear on those great records. As the title suggests, we also tell their story, so you might find out a few things you didn't know in these two and a bit hours. We even recreate the famous reunion Concert in Central Park.
What do you think it is about Simon & Garfunkel’s music that is so timeless?
I think the songs written by Paul Simon at that time had a pretty unique blend of wit, social commentary, and good old fashioned melody and harmony. Essentially it comes down to the fact that you can’t help but sing along to basically every song in the repertoire! It's more than just fluffy, soulless pop, it has real heart, his stuff. A couple of the songs we do I find difficult every night due to the emotional pull of the material.
What is it like playing a real, live person as opposed to a fictional character or historical figure? Do you know if the real Simon & Garfunkel have seen the show?
There is a certain… not a pressure, but a responsibility when playing a real person. The temptation might be to go out and do a caricature to ensure you hit all the expected quirks and smirks, but I think it’s more important to capture an essence and bring your own energy, whilst obviously getting as close to the look and sound as you can.
As far as I know neither Paul Simon nor Art Garfunkel have been to see us as yet, but that's certainly something we'd love, and if you're reading lads, your tickets are on me, pop along!
Simon’s voice is quite distinctive, is your voice naturally quite similar or did you have to learn how to imitate it?
I found that I have a similar soft tone, and also naturally produce that 'twang' he has, and that has made it easier to get close to the distinctive voice of Paul Simon. There are a few tips and tricks I have picked up along the way to help get me there.
What has the response been like from long-time Simon & Garfunkel fans?
Well we are uniquely placed to answer that question actually! Every night without fail we make it part of the evening that immediately after the show ends, Joe (who plays Art) and I head straight to the front of house foyer where we're able to chat to the audience, pose for photos, sign programmes and answer any questions people might have. So it enables us to get direct feedback from an audience of (generally) long-time Simon and Garfunkel fans. Overwhelmingly positive would be the response, and every night we get told wonderful things like “You really took me back to my teenage years” and “We saw them back in the day and it was like seeing them all over again”. It seems to enthuse and excite and stir emotions as well. People are very, very kind.
Is there anything you’ve learnt about Simon and Garfunkel in your preparation for this show that isn’t widely known?
Apparently they didn't get on from time to time. Who knew? [Laughs] No, but the thing that has struck me, looking more in depth at the pair, is actually how close the friendship is, despite their differences. I saw footage of them quite recently, sitting together just watching a baseball game from the stands, chatting and laughing, and it's there as plain as day – just two mates who clearly still enjoy each other’s company. As it were, just two ‘Old Friends’.
The Simon and Garfunkel Story tours Australia and New Zealand from July 6 to 22. For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Related links:
The best movie soundtracks of all time
10 songs that always bring a tear to your eye
Simon & Garfunkel reunite one last time