BWW Reviews: THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG at Forum Theatre

The Forum Theatre's latest production, They're Playing Our Song, is a sweet melody. With direction my Tom Frye and music direction by Steve Rue, enjoy a tuneful romp before it's too late.

They're Playing Our Song, which opened on Broadway in 1979, ran for more than one thousand performances. It features music by Marvin Hamlisch (who also composed Goodbye Girl, Sweet Smell of Success and A Chorus Line, earning him a Pulitzer Prize) and lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager (Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe winner). The plot revolves around the relationship of a neurotic composer and his off-beat lyricist, using the real-life relationship between Hamlisch and Bayer Sager as source material. To top it off, the book was written by their friend, Neil Simon, of Odd Couple, Brighton Beach Memoirs and Barefoot in the Park fame. The tunes are catchy, full of heart and sentiment, without being overwrought, and the script is snappy and genuinely funny.

Starring as the Marvin Hamlisch-esque character Vernon Gersch is Ray Wills. Wills, a staple in the fare at Forum, delivers some of his most entertaining and delightful work. A character, which could easily be played as shrill or fastidious, is given a heart and depth. Magen Parsley plays Sonia Walsk, the flighty lyricist with literal and figurative baggage. Parsley does double duty as the production's choreographer. Both characters have a trio to sing backup, express inner thoughts and add dimension. The male ensemble consists of Lance McDougall, Noah Montgomery and Deiondre Teagle. The female ensemble (Tillie Ehresman, Stacy McCorkle and Cary Hesse) is a force to be reckoned with. A triple threat set, they lit up the stage.

The set, designed by Ben Juhnke, was versatile, smart and simple. The orchestra, led by Steve Rue, included Helen Griffin, Joan Ehresman, Randy Fields, Thor Bonner, Kevin Brightup and Joel Andrews. This was a particularly strong ensemble. The overture alone was exciting.

They're Playing Our Song runs at the Forum Theatre until October 11th, with performances at 2pm and 8pm. The Forum Theatre is located at 147 S Hillside, 67211. For tickets or more information call 316.618.0444 or visit www.forumwichita.com