Paul Simon Retrospective Comes To Brooklyn

January 29, 2008 7:48 p.m. EST

New York, NY (CNS) - Maybe eying redemption for the biggest commercial or critical flop of Paul Simon's career, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has enlisted some major help to rehash the musical "The Capeman," - part of three separate programs to celebrate the songwriter's career.

Ironically announced on the 10-year anniversary of the flop's Broadway opening, "Songs from the Capeman" will run first in the series, from April 1-6 at the Harvey Theater, and includes Oscar Hernandez and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, along with Little Anthony and the Imperials.

"Under African Skies" will feature Simon himself, with band in tow, recreating the sounds of two of his best late-period albums, "The Rhythm of the Saints," and "Graceland." David Byrne, Hugh Masekala and Cyro Baptista will lend support for the show set to run April 9-13 at the Howard Gilman Opera House.

Simon, assisted by Grizzly Bear and Olu Dara, will then conclude with "American Tunes," at the Gilman, April 23-27.

Self-congratulations appear in order for parts two and three, but it remains to be seen whether a trip across the East River can breathe new life into the woeful and financially crippling "Capeman."