Hartog and Pattinson: "They're Playing Our Song" at the Westport Community Theatre

Westport residents Deanna Hartog and Samantha Pattinson are happily sharing their talents under one roof in the Westport Community Theatre production of They’re Playing Our Song. The show opens on Friday, September 18th with the help of these two skilled members of the cast and crew that keep the jokes rolling in this Neil Simon comedy.

Deanna Hartog, stage manager for the production, has grown up in a theatre-loving family; parents Marc and Cindy Hartog have been involved with WCT for many years. “I was first introduced to the Westport Community Theatre as a child, when my parents performed in plays. While I sat backstage and watched rehearsals, I became enthralled with live theatre.” Since then, Hartog has performed in many community theatre productions, most recently playing Fanka in Irena’s Vow and Rachel in To Gillian on her 37th Birthday. She has built on her theatre experience by running crew, stage-managing, and most recently, combining her passion for theatre with her passion for writing. A Flicker of Light, a one-act play written and directed by Hartog, was performed in New York City in the semi-finals of the New York New Works theatre festival.

Fellow Westporter, Samantha Pattinson, plays an “inner voice” to Laura Blackwell’s Sonia Walsk on stage in They’re Playing Our Song. Pattinson, originally from the city of Bath, England, was a member of the Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society. Her love of the theatre developed while attending the University of York, where she acted in many productions including playing Constanze in Amadeus. Five years ago Samantha and her husband moved from London to Westport, where she fostered her creativity as a member of the Westport Writers’ Workshop, and by vicariously enjoying her children’s involvement in theatre. While watching the sheer joy of the Staples players in a recent performance, she was inspired to rekindle her passion and to audition for Westport Community Theatre.

They’re Playing Our Song, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, is inspired by the quirky real-life romantic relationship between Hamlisch and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. Kevin Pelkey directs it. “It’s got great music, a good story by Neil Simon, and everything a good musical should have. Most of all, it is fun and a slice of history from great American songwriting, without any political message or anything heavy.”

The show opens when music composer Vernon Gersch, played by Mike L’Altrella, hoping to find a new collaborator, meets offbeat lyricist Sonia Walsk. Hilarious jokes ensue and the laughs keep coming amidst the colorful 1970’s style with vintage pop music and choreographed dance. Other cast members include Gabrielle Colangelo, Holly Fasciano, Jim Norton, Norris Wakefield and Eric Sporborg.

They’re Playing Our Song is running from September 18 through October 11, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays, with a Thursday performance on September 24 at 8:00 p.m. There is an extra matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10. Tickets are $28, $26 for seniors and students, and can be purchased at westportcommunitytheatre.com or by calling (203) 226-1983. Westport Community Theatre is located at 110 Myrtle Avenue in Westport.

Pictured are Deanna Hartog (left) and Samantha Pattinson (right).