When he sings Homeward Bound, a song that Simon & Garfunkel made famous in the 60s, actor Ryan M. Hunt admits he gets emotional.

“Each town looks the same to me, the movies and the factories. And every stranger’s face I see reminds me that I long to be Homeward Bound. That song really hits home.” He explains, “It really resonates with me, that idea of home and longing for it.”

Hunt could be forgiven if he gets a little homesick from time to time. The Indiana born actor is currently on a 55 show North American tour with The Simon & Garfunkel Story. He grew up with the duo’s music playing at home. “It was the music of my parents’ childhood, they forced it down my throat,” Hunt jokes. “I immediately latched onto their harmonies and the poetry behind Paul Simon’s writing. There’s a certain simplicity of it.”

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a concert style show that’s been seen by 1/4 million people around the world. The show uses projection of film and old photos to tell the story of the famous duo through its two decades of hits.  Hunt says songs like Cecillia, Bridge Over Troubled Water and The Sound of Silence easily win the crowds over night after night.

“They love it!” Hunt explains, “The great thing about this music is it’s never gone away. It’s always on the radio and I think audiences are surprised by some songs. They are like ‘Oh they wrote that song, too?'”

The show starts with Simon and Garfunkel’s humble beginnings in Queens, New York (1963)and follows them in chronological order through the group’s dramatic split (1970) and right to the famous reunion concert in Central Park (1981).

Hunt insists his performance is not an imitation of Art Garfunkel but he did do his research when it came to stage presence. “I do really Art things like crossing my arms or putting my hands in my pockets while we sing.” He says, “I really tried to get the physical life of his performing.”

Above all, Hunt says this show is a tribute to two artists who changed the musical landscape. Their songs are intertwined with memories for so many people and he says he sees that connection at each performance.

“We wear in-ear monitors for the show and I always leave one out so I can hear people singing along with us.” He says, “It’s very fulfilling to take people on that journey and let them remember the music.”

Hunt says the magic of the show hit home last month when his parents came to see it. “They both loved it,” he says. “My Dad said he didn’t think he’s ever been prouder of me.”

Saskatoon audiences can see The Simon & Garfunkel Story Thursday November 9th at TCU Place. Tickets are $40 – $66.

Click here for ticket details.

 

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Thurs. Nov. 9

Show:  7:30 p.m.

TCU Place

Tickets $40 – $66

tcutickets.ca