'They're Playing Our Song' runs in July at New Castle Playhouse

NEW CASTLE − "They're Playing Our Song" opens at the New Castle Playhouse on Friday.

This play is a win/win in many ways. First, the New Castle Playhouse is currently the only theater in the United States that is presenting this unique comedy.

Second, it is bound to be entertainment with a capitol "E," with the comedy of Neil Simon and the music of Marvin Hamlisch.

"They're Playing Our Song" is a musical by Simon, with lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager and music by Hamlisch.

Playwright Simon was a multiple Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner. Lyricist Sager has an Oscar, two Golden Globes and a Grammy. Hamlisch was one of just two people who have received an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer.

This production is directed by Michael Cavalier, who is excited to be directing the first musical since the COVID lockdown on the main stage.

The story is based on the real-life messy relationship of Hamlisch and Sager. Joseph Bandi is the wise-cracking composer. He brings his talent as an actor and as an accomplished pianist; he is actually playing the piano.

This, too, is a unique feature of this show, and Cavalier said they have turned the piano and keyboard so the audience can see him playing.

In 2019, Bandi aced the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and will do the same as Vernon Gersch.

Veteran actor Kali Davies-Anderson is Sonia Walsk, the other half of the muddled relationship that initially wasn't exactly made in heaven. The audience will find out if the relationship works out or not.

The other members of the cast are Quinn Hilton, Trevor Kinnear, and Connor Proctor as the inner Voices of Vernon Gersch and Leah Buczek, Lauren Kuncio and Hannah Veronesi as the inner Voices of Sonia Walsk.

Cavalier, who is known for his dazzling over-the-top musicals, is going to dazzle the audience in a different way with this eight-member cast.

Cavalier said he was being cautious, and went on to explain that when he was directing the Neshannock High School musical "Sweet Charity," just six days from opening night, the COVID lockdown happened.

"It was a disaster. We had rented all the costumes and sets and they were expensive, and the students had put their hearts into doing the show. It was heartbreaking. I can't describe it any other way. Once you get burned, you get cautious," he said.

Cavalier cautiously opted for "They're Playing Our Song" with a small cast. His worst fears were realized when he contracted COVID. His wife, Julie Garda, the choreographer, and another cast member also got COVID.

The first week of rehearsal was by Zoom, and eventually, the cast was able to get together and the show went on.

When the Neshannock senior play was canceled, the students lost their chance to be on stage, so Cavalier reached out to those students and three seniors responded; Quinn Hilton, Connor Proctorinner and Hannah Veronesi have parts in "They're Playing Our Song."

In July 1988, Cavalier played Vernon Gersch at the Center Theater Players at Penn State-Beaver campus. He always wanted to direct the show.

"I loved the show. I always wanted to direct it. It was on my bucket list, and when I decided to be cautious with a smaller show, this was my first choice," Cavalier said.

"They're Playing Our Song," is essentially a two-character show with Vernon and Sonia the sole characters on stage.

The boy chorus and girl chorus are a classic Greek chorus that expresses and comments on the issues raised by the dialogue.

In 1979, "They're Playing Our Song" opened on Broadway and had a two-year run.

"This is Neil Simon funny, a funny show with a 1979 disco vibe; the lead characters are perfect, and the boy and girl choruses bring it all together," Cavalier said.

This is a show for theater-goers who like Neil Simon comedy or Marvin Hamlisch music, or remember 1979, or who just want to sit back and be entertained.

"They're playing Our Song" will run at 7:30 p.m. July 15, 16, 22, and 23, and at 2 p.m. July 17 and 24.

For reservations, call 724-654-3437 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

This article originally appeared on Ellwood City Ledger: 'They're Playing Our Song' runs in July at New Castle Playhouse