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<\/a>As the 1970s are coming to a close, a composer, Vernon (Remiatte), plans on collaborating with an ambitious lyricist, Sonja (David). Over time, the artists become attracted to each other, but they each have their own quirks and foibles.<\/p>\n
Vernon, for example, has problems with commitment and being emotionally open, while Sonja remains dedicated to her ex-boyfriend Leon.<\/p>\n
Notwithstanding their personal issues, they attempt to start dating, which leads to a lot of highs and lows over an extended period of time.<\/p>\n
Kirk Valles\u2019 musical direction retains the 70s pop style of the tunes. Just as important to the musical numbers is Steve Murdock\u2019s audio, which makes even the quieter melodies like \u201cFallin,\u2019\u201d \u201cIf He Really Knew Me\u201d and \u201cFill in the Words\u201d easy to hear.<\/p>\n There are also light pop tunes about music and the songwriting process itself such as the title song and \u201cWorkin\u2019 it Out.\u201d<\/p>\n While most of Hamlisch and Sager\u2019s songs contribute to the ambience and central affair, their only misstep is the Act II opening \u201cWhen You\u2019re in My Arms.\u201d<\/p>\n Hamlisch and Sager\u2019s number sounds less like a Broadway-friendly song, and more like the theme of an older television sitcom.<\/p>\n Pretty much everything else about the script to \u201cThey\u2019re Playing Our Song\u201d adds an enjoyable experience, including Simon\u2019s typically quip-heavy prose. His funniest moments are when the protagonists\u2019 foibles and flaws are exposed.<\/p>\n Vernon can be bossy and doesn\u2019t always show Sonja warmth or compassion. Sonja also has issues such as not always being focused on her craft and being too loyal to the moocher, Leon.<\/p>\n What really drives the plot is the love that grows between Vernon and Sonja. Several ensemble members such as Matthew Noll, Kylie Young, Dawn-Marie Zuniga Williams and Eric Gonzalez portray the voices inside the heads of the writers.<\/p>\n All the voices wear costumes from Laura Sutton that feel inspired by \u201cSaturday Night Fever\u201d and the \u201cAustin Powers\u201d trilogy. Yet, Remiatte and David are front and center for the majority of the evening. They ground Simon\u2019s humor in reality and croon together in an endearing way.<\/p>\n Despite personal issues, Remiatte and David are never unsympathetic or cruel in their interpretations, partly because they show plenty of respect for each other. President of Lamplighters\u2019 board of directors, George Bailey, is responsible for the natural chemistry on Kirsten Girard\u2019s apartment-themed set, adding to the fine performances by the leads.<\/p>\n He never rushes through the dialogue, and creates investment when intimate topics like trust, commitment and personal accomplishments are discussed.<\/p>\n Bailey and the principal entertainers are showing love in all of its messiness, with plenty of charming appeal. There is only a week left of the engagement, so don\u2019t wait to buy tickets before the rest of the run is over.<\/p>\n<\/a>The relationship between Vernon and Sonja is based on that between composer, Marvin Hamlisch, and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. Although Hamlisch and Sager broke up, the musical is still a strong collaboration between them and book writer Neil Simon.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n