Theatre pays tribute to famous 20th century songwriter

Rhythm and Rhyme will rock the Annex in a tribute production as the Carson Valley Community Theatre’s most recent show.

“Rhythm and Rhyme” is a tribute to Burt Bacharach, who died Feb. 8.

“The ultimate compliment to a creator is for others to take what was created and make it their own, but in a way that honors the original,” said singer Marsh Brodeur. “That’s what we’re trying to do here.”

Bacharach was one of the most popular American composers, songwriters, record producers and pianists in the 20th Century. Debuting in the 1950s, he composed hundreds of pop songs, many in collaboration with lyricist Hal David.

“He wrote so much wonderful music, which was popular when I was in my teens and 20s,’ said singer Ann Delahay. “A lot of people in this Valley are old enough to remember him and these hit songs.”

With Bacharach’s passing, the theatre and the four singers in the show wanted to honor and be reminded of the music that has been enjoyed throughout decades.

“For the most part this show is a collaboration of the four singers, so there is no directional credit as the show is truly a joint effort,” said Delahay. “We hope the audience enjoys sitting back and listening to this wonderful music even singing along as much as we’ve enjoyed bringing it to you.

Hit songs “I Say a Little Prayer for You,” “Always Something There to remind Me,” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” “Promise, Promise,” “That’s What Friends are For,” and more will be performed by Ann Delahay, Skip Brown, Marsh Brown and Krista Jenkins with accompanist Douglas High School Sophomore Cristian Valenzuela Gonzalez.

Most of the songs in the program were written in collaboration with lyricist Hal David. Some others were with Carole Bayer Sager, Christopher Cross and Peter Allen and most of the songs were made famous by Dionne Warwick, but some songs will be recognized by hits such as the Carpenters, The Fifth Dimension and Herb Albert.

“It’s exciting to put this music together, for those who have and haven’t heard it before to come together and enjoy it,” said singer Skip Brown. “We’re going to have fun with it, appreciate it and pay tribute.”

Opening night for Rhythm and Rhyme is 7:30 p.m. April 28 at the Annex, 1572 Highway 395 North, Minden. Shows will continue 7:30 p.m. April 29, May 5 and May 6 with matinee shows 2 p.m. April 30 and May 7. Tickets, $18. Visit www.carsonvalleycommunitytheatre.org or call the box office at 775-782-6622 for more information and to purchase tickets.