Hamlisch's 'Song' Still Sounds Good

A show that started in this city nearly 30 years ago, They're Playing Our Song, makes a rather pleasurable return to Los Angeles at The El Portal Theatre, spinning some disco-era tunes from the genius of composer Marvin Hamlisch and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. 

Having picked up a few Tony Award nominations when it bowed on Broadway, this pseudo autobiographical show also sports a witty book by Neil Simon, and this latest production proves rather capable of shooting life back into a show that could have easily veered into a dated work.

Full of catchy melodies, as many of Hamlisch's tunes turn out to be, though not as weighty as A Chorus Line, They're Playing Our Song captures the essence of two strong willed and creative individuals finding a romance in the tumultuous world of song collaboration. 

Said to be based on the affair between Hamlisch and Sager, there are moments when the two characters, Sonia (Vicki Lewis) and Vernon (Scott Waara) make sweet music in their anxious relationship.  Sonia is a rather flighty lyricist who literally stumbles into composer Vernon's life in a working session, only to grow on him like a nervous tick that he cannot imagine living without once he becomes accustomed to it.  The ups and downs of their romance often play more like a soap opera gone soft, as a mysterious and unseen boyfriend continually drags Sonia's attention away from Vernon's gaze, but overall Simon's book keeps things merrily rolling along.

Dan Mojica's (current National Tour of Camelot) direction allows for star Lewis (TV's "News Radio," City of Angeles, Reprise!) to shine as the neurotic mess that is Sonia.  Though Sonia might feel slightly inadequate as a lyricist, Lewis is a quirky delight and delivers a peppy performance, which steals every moment of the show she appears.  Vernon sums Sonia up best as he proclaims, "talking with you is like sending out your laundry, you never know what you're going to get back."  And if it is not one of her perfectly gaudy outfits (thanks to the fanciful costumer designs by Thomas Marquez), it is her self-professed multiple personalities that tugs at Vernon's heartstrings.  Lewis solidifies her star talent in the energetic number "Working It Out."

Waara (Tony Award-winner for The Most Happy Fella) does not fare as well when next to Lewis, as he tends to struggle with capturing the essence of a composer vying for a new hit record.  He simply appears too much the nice guy, filled with subtlety that is not truly recognizable behind the larger than life antics of his female counterpart.  True, these two characters are supposed to represent the opposite end of the creative spectrum, but Waara leaves a bit to be desired in his performance.  Vocally however, Waara does nail the part, showing a lighter side in the kitschy title tune.

With John Randall's musical direction, sets by Brett Banakis and lighting by John E. D. Bass, They're Playing Our Song is a welcome opener for the Valley Musical Theatre's second season, as the songs themselves carry this revival like a nostalgic block of oldies blaring over the radio, always pleasing.

They're Playing Our Song plays at the El Portal Theatre Main Stage through March 11, 2007.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.elportaltheatre.com or by phone at 866-811-4111.  The theatre is located at 5269 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood.  Tickets prices range from $35 to $50.  For more information on the Valley Musical Theatre, visit www.valleymusicaltheatre.com.  

Photos by Ed Krieger

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