THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG To 28 September 2008.
LONDON.
THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG
book by Neil Simon music by Marvin Hamlisch lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager.
Menier Chocolate Factory 53 Southwark Street, SE1 1RU to 28 September 2008.
Tue–Sat 8pm Mat Sat & Sun 3.30pm.
Runs 2 hr30mins, One interval.
TICKETS: 020 7907 7060.
www.menierchocolatefactory.com
Review: Geoff Ambler 6 August 2008.
The 70s returns with a warming musical romp and some seriously dodgy hair.
The Menier’s latest revival is the semi-autobiographical musical They’re Playing Our Song first seen on Broadway in 1979. Loosely based on Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager’s relationship it follows successful, but neurotic, composer Vernon Gersch, rising lyricist Sonia Walsk and their truly improbable romance.
With Alistair McGowan and Connie Fisher in the roles of Vernon and Sonia, the Menier has aimed for a couple of well-known names to draw in an audience for this light-hearted and at times wistful romp. While largely a two hander three 'boys' and 'girls' make up the ensemble who shift scenes, provide backing and are the voices in Sonia and Vernon’s heads as they deal with each other's quirks.
McGowan’s Vernon is a little glib, initially hiding behind his wit, then confident when pursuing Sonia after only a few minutes in her company. While he raises only ripples of laughter, rather than belly laughs, McGowan’s natural humour makes the most of Vernon’s flaws.
Fisher, in her first stage outing since Maria needed to prove to a new cool Menier audience that there is more to her repertoire than the one role. Adorned by a series of incredible wigs, a seventies wardrobe and a cute Bronx accent, Fisher embraces the mixed-up, kooky characters that make up Sonia, as they fight with moving on from a dependent ex and into the life of Vernon.
She has eyes that naturally excel at wistful, twinkle cheekily when she smiles, an enchanting voice that was always her strength and in close proximity to the audience finally gets a chance to display what a thoroughly decent actress she is becoming.
The book may be underwritten in its motives for the relationship but once accepted the journey makes a fun, charming and delightful musical with a couple of sparkling leads and some fine, funny music.
Vernon Gersch: Alistair McGowan.
Sonia Walsk: Connie Fisher.
The Boys/The Girls: Tricia Adele-Turner, Matthew Cole, Lyndsey Gardiner, Kaisa Hammarlund, Eugene McCoy, Christopher Ragland.
Director: Fiona Laird.
Choreography: Sam Spencer-Lane.
Set & Costume Design: Matthew Wright.
Lighting Design: Ian Scott.
Sound Design: David Ogilvy.
Musical Director: Torquil Munro.
2008-08-11 00:06:03