Musical based on real-life story

Press, 29 May 1982, Page 6

Musical based on real-life story

Vernon Gersch, winner of numerous awards for his musical scores, lives in a swank New York highrise apartment above Central Park.

Sonia Walsk, who aspires to greatness, also lives in New York but in an area “famous for poverty.”

He composes music. She * write lyrics. They make' wonderful music together in Neil Simon’s romantic, comedy musical, “They’re Playing Our Song." The show, which will open in Christchurch's Theatre Royal on September 4. is based loosely on the real life musical and romantic collaboration of composer Marvin Hamlisch and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager. The musical score is actually written by the pair.

The American star of the show, John Hammil, will also play- the role of Vernon Gersch in New Zealand. He has played the part on Broadway opposite Lucie Arnaz, and’ has toured ' with Judy Garland’s "other” daughter, Lorna Luft. The 34-year-old actor's film credits include “Serpico," with Al Pacino, and “Last of the Red Hot Lovers," also written by Neil Simon. Ellie Smith, a New Zea-

land actress, will play the part of Sonia Walsk. Miss Smith, who is ■ now performing at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre, has appeared in several musical roles in Britain. Marvin Hamlisch, whose life is mirrored in the play, is well known for his work on “The Sting" and "The Way We Were.” He also composed the music for "A Chorus Line." Carole Bayer Sager, who is portrayed as Sonia Walsk, is also recognised as a songwriter. Her works include “You’re Moving Out Today," and “Midnight Blue.” She recently won an Academy Award as a co-writer of

“The Best That You Can Do,” the theme for “Arthur.” The set and staging of the show will include a 10-metre revolving platform, motorised, panels, and nine projectors in the auditorium connected to a computer that produces the visual effects. "They're Playing Our Song” has just finished a two-year run in London, where it starred Martin Shaw of “The Professionals” fame. It is just ending its run in Australia where it has outgrossed every other musical. It is interesting to note that “true love” does not always last, as Carole Bayer Sager recently married a fellow composer, Burt Bacharach.