I recently spoke to two talented gentleman, Israel Bloodgood, a Shakespearean actor, dancer, musician, songwriter and theatre teacher, now working as an actor in the UK and Luke Hogan, possessing a degree in musical theatre who has played many roles, including an Osmond brother.
Both gentlemen bring their considerable skills and experience to the story of two of the world’s most loved folk singer, songwriters, Simon and Garfunkel in ‘The Simon and Garfunkel Story.’
I asked Bloodgood and Hogan how they arrived at these roles, and they explained it was through audition last autumn, a process of singing songs individually and then pairing up those singers that blended, as in Bloodgood and Hogans case.
While both are now firm fans of Simon and Garfunkel, Bloodgood says when he was quite young his parents were fans and so provided an introduction to the music.
Neither Bloodgood or Hogan has previously been to Tasmania or Australia and Bloodgood tells me his interest is ‘the beaches’ while for Hogan it is to experience ‘the wildlife’.
The show is not an attempt of a complete impression of Simon and Garfunkel but instead an emulation of their vocal qualities, to replicate the singer’s nuances. Bloodgood and Hogan have studied videos to perfect and imitate the idiosyncrasies of Simon and Garfunkel, to capture their essence.
The presentation will be backed up with screens and a biographical journey into the music of Simon and Garfunkel’s best-known songs, such as ‘The Sound of Silence’ and ‘Bridge over Troubled Waters’ and both performers are ‘gratified’ to bring memories of this music to audiences.
‘The Simon and Garfunkel Story’ at the following dates and venues – there are still a small selection of tickets available:
Thursday 21 August Launceston Princess Theatre 19:00
Friday 22 August Hobart Theatre Royal 17:30
Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse view of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.
Support us in expanding our coverage and developing new content by and for Tasmanians.
New initiatives on the way include:
- a weekly podcast covering current affairs
- a revamped website
- a monthly cartoon competition
- a user-friendly app for both Android and Apple devices
- a weekly roundup of key stories
