On May 16th, Montreal was graced with one of the best West End shows, The Simon and Garfunkel Story. After almost two hours in traffic, I arrived at the entrance with 2 minutes to spare, so I wasn’t able to see what the audience felt and looked like. I found my way to the door that corresponded to my section, and as soon as I opened it, what welcomed me was a completely sold-out venue in a dim light and hundreds of silver heads greeting me. A couple of minutes after I sat down the lights went off and the centre screen turned on.
The show began by setting the scene: dozens of images filled the backdrop, from the Vietnam War to the rise of The Beatles, the civil rights movement, and a cultural landscape in flux. This introduction transported the audience back in time, preparing us for an immersive journey into the world of Simon and Garfunkel.
We were being led back in time by the hand and mind, and I imagine that for many of those present, it was also preparing them emotionally for a heavy dose of nostalgia and reverence for the music that shaped a generation.
The artists portraying Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel bore an uncanny resemblance to the originals, with matching stature, hair, and even the voice! This attention to detail created a sense of authenticity, adding even more to the immersion. It set apart the show from any regular cover band and made it easy to suspend disbelief and be drawn into their story.
What stood out immediately was the skill and enjoyment of the musicians on stage. It is not easy playing the same songs every night and still keep the will to bend notes, improvise and play with a smile.
The storytelling was meticulous, mixed in with songs that mirrored both the duo’s personal struggles and the socio-political climate of their era. But this was more than a mere retelling; it was an exploration of the duo’s complex relationship and the tensions that defined their career.
Despite the detailed narrative, some aspects of their later years were notably absent. I guess the show’s script and premise had to be both family-friendly and also sand down some of the roughest and prickly scenes from the folk band’s friendship and career. However, the performance didn’t shy away from depicting the internal conflicts. The push and pull between Paul Simon’s desire for solo success and the allure of fame and money, between his time in London and the U.S., the band’s breakups and their eventual returns together were portrayed with clarity.
As the musical went chronologically through their most famous hits and their early big misses, you can see how Paul Simon’s lyrical expression was moulded by poetry, the Everly Brothers, the London music scene, the hippie 1970s, and, if you listened closely, maybe even The Kinks.
As I listened closely to the lyrics, the layered poetry of Paul’s words struck me as odd. The apparent absurdity of many hits seemed to mimic that of a 3D painting where you have to cross your eyes to find what lies behind, the deeper meanings, reflecting both personal and universal truths or so I think, it might have been all absurd for the sake of absurdity and rhyme. This, shall I say, live documentary format highlighted Simon’s luck and preparedness—a perfect blend of opportunity and talent that catapulted him to fame.
The performance reminded us why we return time and time again to the music of our youth, not just for its quality but for the memories and deep sensations it evokes. It’s a way to relive the colors, sounds, smells and emotions of our formative years, to reconnect with lost friends, to relive our first love and anchor ourselves in a time that defined us, a time in which many of us still see our inner self.
As the final notes of the encore lingered in the air, it became evident to me why it is that Paul Simon’s name, music and albums will resonate the most; his legacy has been cemented and felt all throughout modern music. To me, he was the mastermind behind the lyrics, the business decisions, and ultimately the one whose preparation met luck straight ahead.
The Simon and Garfunkel Story was more than a concert; it was a testament to the enduring power of music, friendship (even the lost ones) and a love for what you do. It reminded us of the profound impact art can have on our lives, how a band, a genre, and even a song can encapsulate the essence of an era, finally showcasing the timeless nature of humans to their youth.
Review & photos – Ricardo D. Flores
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