Reviewed by Joan Tupponce
If you are looking for something light and bubbly this holiday season in the way of theater productions, you’ll want to check out Virginia Rep’s current production of They’re Playing Our Song at Hanover Tavern.
The Neil Simon musical revolves around the working relationship of Vernon, a neurotic but successful composer, and Sonia, a free spirited lyricist. When the two decide to collaborate, sparks begin to fly. But the relationship isn’t meant to be, thanks to a pesky former boyfriend by the name of Leon who keeps showing up in Sonia’s life.
The show was inspired by the romantic relationship between Marvin Hamlisch who wrote the music for the show and Carole Bayer Sager who wrote the lyrics. Like all of Simon’s plays, They’re Playing Our Song is full of rapid-fire one-liners that bolt past you if your mind wanders.
The show’s two leads – Aly Wepplo and Landon Nagel – have chemistry, which makes their relationship very believable. Wepplo’s bouncy style is perfect for the role of the unconventional Sonia who wears hand-me-downs from theatrical productions as her everyday clothing. Her performance is honest and energetic.
Nagel taps into all of Vernon’s quirks, showing both his anxiety with the relationship and his frustration with Leon. One of the comic highlights of the show is the trio of two sets of alter egos that take the stage with Vernon and Sonia to represent their thoughts.
They’re Playing Our Song is a good diversion to the craziness of the holiday rush. The show runs through January 4 at Virginia Rep’s Hanover Tavern. For tickets, discount info, and showtimes, go here: They’re Playing Our Song.
