Photo Flash: In Rehearsal With BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO, Opening July 6 At Stage Door Theatre

Stage Door Theatre's final production in their long-time venue on Sample Road, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, will open in Theatre 1 on July 6thand run through August 12th. (The company's next production, La Cage Aux Folles, will open in their new home at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on August 31st.)

The sweetly comic story is that of Marge and Lois who arrive at 'Esther's Paradise Resort' Labor Day weekend 1960 on a holiday that was intended to be Marge's honeymoon - until the groom left her at the altar. It is set to the music of pop icon Neil Sedaka, and the score showcases 18 Sedaka classics, including "Where the Boys Are", "Sweet Sixteen", "Calendar Girl", "Love Will Keep Us Together", and of course, the chart-topping title song.

Lois attempts to console Marge by setting her up with the resort's handsome, self-obsessed singer Del Delmonaco, but her plans backfire when Del mistakenly assumes that Marge's father can further his ambitions to become the next teen heartthrob on American Bandstand. Gazing forlornly at Marge from the wings is geekish cabana boy and aspiring songwriter Gabe. And in the meantime, when he isn't entertaining guests with his comical Borscht Belt shtick, house comedian Harvey is secretly carrying a torch for widowed resort owner Ester, who is more preoccupied with keeping her hotel open.

Stage Door Producer Derrelle Bunn has called upon Jonathan Van Dyke to direct the production:

"As a long-time Neil Sedaka fan, I was thrilled to find out his music was the inspiration for a new musical comedy," Van Dyke says. "Breaking Up Is Hard to Dois a terrific theatrical collaboration of story and music. It has plenty of laughs, but has its share of poignancy too, as Mr. Sedaka seems to have a song for every emotion.

"I have always been drawn to ensemble shows and this cast of six is tremendous," he continues. I am so pleased to have been invited back to Stage Door to be a part of this, and to be working with Caryl Fantel, who will lead our band. This team has work to do, but I am so looking forward to taking our audiences on a trip back to 1960 and the Catskills to enjoy the timeless music of Neil Sedaka."

The cast of Breaking Up Is Hard to Do consists of Molly Shippy as Marge, Leigh Green as Lois, Trenton Bainbridge as Gabe, Bruno Faria as Del Delmonaco, Gail Byer as Esther, and Michael Small as Harvey.

Van Dyke will also serve as the show's Choreographer, and Caryl Fantel is the production's Musical Director. Set and Lighting design are by Ardean Landhuis, Costumes are by Jerry Sturdefant, and Nancy Clay is the production's Stage Manager.

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do will run from July 6 - August 12 at Stage Door Theatre. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Margate (33065). Tickets for Breaking Up is Hard to Do are $48. Group rates are available, as are student prices (with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org.

For more information about Breaking Up Is Hard to Do and/or Stage Door Theatre, please visit www.stagedoorfl.org.

Photo Credit: Carol Kassie

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