The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Durham Performing Arts Center 123 Vivian St, Durham, North Carolina 27701
Reports from the road say the touring version of this 2015 West End concert-style tribute effectively captures the essence of iconic folk-rock troubadours Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, whose close harmonies and wistful lyrics were ultimately interwoven into the soundtrack of the 1960s in songs from “Scarborough Fair” to “The Boxer.” Lightly leavened with biographical talking points, the show’s primary focus is on a first-act playlist covering the decade they collaborated before breaking up in 1970. The second act follows each as they go their separate ways in the ensuing years: Simon (George Clements), pursuing African influences in records including 1986’s Graceland; Garfunkel (Andrew Wade) in lower-key recordings, film acting, writing and a literal walk across the world. —Byron Woods