WVU’s LAB Theatre will present “Love, Sweet Love: The Story and Songs of Burt Bacharach,” written by and starring MFA student Vincent Pelligrino, Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Creative Arts Center’s Gladys G. Davis Theatre.

As one of the most accomplished pop composers of the 20th Century, Burt Bacharach is known for his memorable melodies, unconventional time signatures, and combination of jazz, pop, Brazilian music, and rock. Bacharach generated more than 52 Top 40 hits and primarily collaborated with lyricist Hal David. “Love, Sweet Love” explores his personal life and working relationships with artists such as Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield and Cilla Black.

Vincent Pelligrino is a third-year MFA Acting student graduating in May. This original cabaret-style production of “Love, Sweet Love,” began as part of the one-man show development course in the MFA program and has grown into a fully realized independent study and research project.

“Love, Sweet Love” also features graduate vocal performance students Denise Battle and Jocelyn Raychel, along with Theatre students Stefanie Lemasters, Ashley Koon and Mya Brown.

“Singing this music brings me pure joy,” said Pelligrino. “I have always loved Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s music for its ability to be light and joyous, but heartbreaking at the same time. I love working with these talented young women who have incredible singing voices, and sound great as a group. It’s a pleasure for me to get to sing, act, and sit at the piano for my final show at WVU.”

Songs featured in the cabaret include such Bacharach classics as “Say a Little Prayer,” “Alfie,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” “A House is Not a Home,” “Close to You,” and “What the World Needs Now is Love.”

Lighting design for “Love, Sweet Love” is by theatre student Rachel Lake and sound design is by theatre student Savannah Yost.

Admission for the show is free. Attendance forms for classes will be made available after the show.

For more information on this production of “Love, Sweet Love,” please visit theatre.wvu.edu, call 304-293-2020, or email theatre@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

cl/04/29/15

CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu

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