They're Playing Our Song
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They're Playing Our Song is a musical comedy with a book by Neil Simon, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager.
In a story based on the real-life relationship of Hamlisch and Sager, composer Vernon Gersch, in need of a new lyricist, meets madcap Sonia Walsk, and initially the match clearly is not one made in heaven. The two undergo a series of trials and overcome a number of hurdles before finding true love by the final curtain.
They're Playing Our Song essentially is an intimate two-character show. Vernon and Sonia are the sole characters on stage; a Greek chorus acting as their inner voices is heard from the wings, and there are no big production numbers.
The original production had its world premiere at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in 1978.
After eleven previews, the Broadway production, directed by Robert Moore (director), choreographed by Patricia Birch, and starring Robert Klein and Lucie Arnaz, opened on February 11, 1979 at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for 1082 performances. Ann Roth designed the costumes and lighting was by Tharon Musser. Notable cast replacements included Tony Roberts, Stockard Channing, Victor Garber, Anita Gillette, and Ted Wass.
The original London production opened on October 1, 1980 at the Shaftesbury Theatre with Tom Conti and Gemma Craven. Among the "Inner Voices" was Deena Payne. Notable replacements during its original London run included Martin Shaw. It closed on May 8, 1982.
The original Australian production opened on August 23, 1980 at the Theatre Royal in Sydney. It starred John Waters and Jacki Weaver, with Rhonda Burchmore as one of the "Inner Voices."
[edit] Song list
Act I
- Fallin'
- Workin' It Out
- If He Really Knew Me
- They're Playing Our Song
- If He Really Knew Me (Reprise)
- Right
- Just for Tonight
Act II
- When You're in My Arms
- I Still Believe in Love
- Fill in the Words
Three cast recordings have been released:
- Original Broadway Cast Recording: Casablanca NBLP 7141 - Reissued on CD (10/25/1990) Decca Broadway B000001FEH
- Original London Cast Recording: Chopper CHOPE6 - Reissued on CD (4/28/2003) That's Entertainment 5879334
- Original Australian Cast Recording: Festival L 37356 - Reissued on CD Festival D19265
[edit] Awards and nominations
- Tony Award for Best Musical (nominee)
- Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical (nominee)
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical (Klein, nominee)
- Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (nominee)
- Theatre World Award (Arnaz, winner)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical (nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical (nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Arnaz, nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music (nominee)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lighting Design (nominee)
- Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical (Arnaz, winner)
- Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Actor in a Musical (Klein, winner)
