Harmonies that will warm your heart, this hybrid between tribute and musical is a huge success!
Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers Story follows the lives of the American musical duo in an interesting way, going one step further than a tribute. With beautiful harmonies and a wonderful band, this show is impressive on many levels.
The approach to the format for this show is very interesting. More than simply a tribute act, it blends elements of theatre and the natural showmanship of the pair covering the vocals of the brothers. It felt close enough to being a jukebox musical if not for the human element of Curtis Lavender and Luke Wilson choosing to name themselves within the performance and show their own personalities rather than attempt to fully act as Don and Phil past the vocals. In some instances, a natural scepticism over how this can be pulled off is valid as it’s fair to question why it wouldn’t just choose to go down one lane or another, tribute or musical. With this show however, it works very well. The elements of theatre come in the storytelling. It essentially flows the way any musical about the lives of famous singers would, going through their lives, showing us the highs and lows and of course, the music. We even have some light aspects of set, mostly through what seemed to be projectors and occasional props. There are moments where the audience is transported to places The Everly Brothers were known for performing at such as the Grand Ol’ Opry, The Ed Sullivan Show and even The Royal Albert Hall, where they performed their reunion concert in 1983. Where it verges off is Lavender and Wilson. It really wouldn’t take a lot of work to alter aspects of this show and turn it into a full musical, most of the pieces are there but truthfully, it doesn’t feel necessary. The reason this works is because of the charm and charisma of Lavender and Wilson as themselves. These men are born entertainers and the reason this hybrid of sorts works is largely down to them and their skills as performers. There felt to be a natural chemistry between the two which made everything click into place. Combine this with gorgeous vocals, perfectly harmonising together and you have a show that feels distinct and much more personal. The way they interacted with the audience comes into the tribute side of things but makes it feel more intimate than if the two were simply playing Don and Phil Everly.
Some may not know the story of the brothers or even who they are but they will likely know the music. All I Have To Do Is Dream, Bye Bye Love and Wake Up Little Susie are just a few examples of the hits this show has in store. All of these are songs written by married songwriting duo Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, who wrote many of the songs sang by Don and Phil. While most of the music is light-hearted and feel-good, there are also more emotional numbers like Ebony Eyes, which even The Everly Brothers themselves never sang live save for the chorus as it was deemed too sad, so it was a treat to hear it in full from Lavender and Wilson. A personal favourite of the evening was Lucille which came towards the end of the night, perfectly performed by the duo and the band.
What made this show stand out is that everyone onstage was a skilled musician. Lavender and Wilson were accompanied by an exceptionally talented band. While this was clear throughout the entire evening, it was never more evident that during Country Boy. This blew me away and was maybe even the best moment of the night. The band were perfectly in-sync and the speed and intensity of everyone involved in that moment was beyond admirable. It’s also worth noting that multiple band members provided backup vocals throughout the evening, acting as notable figures connected to The Everly Brothers such as Buddy Holly and The Crickets.
Overall, this was a tremendous show, both in how it was put together and its execution. It really can’t be faulted. Musically, vocally and tonally, it all works incredibly well. If you’re looking for something a bit different and a really entertaining night, make sure to catch Walk Right Back! Perfect either as an introduction to The Everly Brothers or for those who already know and love them. Nothing but talent and not a single bad thing to say about this performance.
This show continues touring until July. Tickets here.