Oxford Actor in Lead with Westport Community Theatre's 'They're Playing Our Song'

The Westport Community Theatre celebrates their 60th anniversary with Neil Simon’s award-winning musical comedy They’re Playing Our Song with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager. The musical, inspired by the quirky romantic relationship between Hamlisch and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager, is often described as a Seinfeld episode set to music.

The show opens when top music composer Vernon Gersch, played by Oxford’s Mike L’Altrella, hoping to find a new collaborator, meets offbeat Sonia Walsk, played by Laura Blackwell, who has already had some success writing lyrics. When his many awards and accomplishments at his luxury Manhattan apartment awe her, the sparks fly. She is surprised that his Oscar award is so light, and Vernon quips, “They’re chocolate inside.” The laughs just keep coming, against the colorful and zany 1970’s style with vintage pop music and choreographed dance.

Vernon and Sonia are essentially the sole characters on stage, each with a three-person Greek chorus acting as their inner voices. Sonia’s voices are played by Gabrielle Colangelo, Samantha Pattinson and Holly Fasciano with Jim Norton, Norris Wakefield and Eric Sporborg giving life to Vernon’s inner self.

Described as “Funny light entertainment” by the Daily News and “Full of blithe good humor, hilarious jokes and witty, pointed characterizations...” by the New York Post, They’re Playing Our Song is a crowd pleaser with a happy ending. It is appropriate for all audiences.

The Westport Community Theatre production is directed by Kevin Pelkey, with Constance Koeper as assistant director and a production team of Anne James and Dave Rylander and executive producer Donna Wyant. Barbara Occhino choreographs it.

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.