They're Playing Our Song 1980 - Articles Page 2

Opened: October 1, 1980
Closing: May 08, 1982

They're Playing Our Song - 1980 - West End History , Info & More

Shaftesbury Theatre
Holborn end of Shaftesbury Avenue London

Featuring book by Neil Simon, "They're Playing Our Song" follows the on-again, off-again romance of one very despondent composer and one very ditzy lyricist, as they try to create their own unique love song. Based on the real-life love affair of the show's composer, Marvin Hamlisch, and the show's lyricist, Carole Bayer-Sager, "They're Playing Our Song," ran 1,082 performances on Broadway.



After Sager and Hamlisch scored an international hit with "Nobody Does It Better" (the theme song from "The Spy Who Loved Me"), they began to work on a new musical based on some surprising subject matter -- their own romantic life -- with the most successful and popular playwright of the era, Neil Simon. They came up with an unusual, new form for a Broadway musical: a chamber musical with two main characters supported by a three-person Greek Chorus.



"They're Playing Our Song" had its world premiere as part of the Center Theatre Group series at the Ahmanson Theatre of the Music Center. It starred comic Robert Klein and Lucie Arnaz, who made her Broadway debut in the role and went on to star in Reprise's inaugural season's "Wonderful Town" in 1997.



Carole Bayer Sager has written the lyrics for "Don't Cry Out Loud," "Everything Old is New Again," "Come in From the Rain," "Heartbreaker," and "That's What Friends Are For," and has collaborated with Neil Diamond, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Peter Allen, Michael McDonald, and Burt Bacharach. In 1977 she was romantically involved with Marvin Hamlisch. Hamlisch followed winning three Academy Awards in 1973 for "The Way We Were" and the score of "The Sting", with the score for "A Chorus Line" which won nine 1975 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Score for Hamlisch and lyricist Edward Kleban.

They're Playing Our Song - 1980 - West End Cast

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They're Playing Our Song - 1980 - West End Articles Page 2

DUET FOR ONE Starring Tara Fitzgerald Joins Orange Tree Theatre's 2023 Season
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2022


The Orange Tree Theatre has announced their production of Tom Kempinski’s 1980 drama Duet For One. Richard Beecham makes his OT debut directing Tara Fitzgerald (Stephanie Abrahams) and Maureen Beattie (Dr Feldmann) in this new adaptation accompanied by live music.

BACK TO THE FUTURE Will Open on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre in Summer 2023
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 21, 2022


BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical begins performances Friday, June 30, 2023 and officially opens Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre. Learn about how the iconic film is coming to the stage.

Fellow Artists Remember Country Music Legend Loretta Lynn
by Michael Major - Oct 4, 2022


Throughout her 60-year career, Lynn achieved the highest level of success with over 50 Top 10 Hits including “Fist City,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “You’re Lookin’ At Country,” “Don’t Come Home A Drinking,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and more. Lynn also recorded legendary duets with The Wilburne Brothers, Ernest Tubb, and Conway Twitty.

Wesli Explores The Roots Of His Afro-Haitian Culture On TRADISYON
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2022


To prepare for his ambitious new musical project, Tradisyon, the uniquely talented Haitian-Canadian songwriter, guitarist and producer Wesli (Wesley Louissaint) had to return to his roots. CD Available Worldwide on October 21, 2022.

Linedy Genao & Brandon Espinoza to Star in ON YOUR FEET! at Paper Mill Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 30, 2022


Paper Mill Playhouse has announced casting for On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, the first production of Paper Mill’s 2022-2023 season. The production will feature Linedy Genao (On Your Feet! on Broadway) as Gloria, and Brandon Espinoza (Broadway’s SpongeBob SquarePants) as Emilio.

Interview: Mark Nadler of HART'S DESIRE at The Laurie Beechman Theatre, Opening PRIDE Weekend
by Stephen Mosher - Jun 21, 2022


Cabaret icon Mark Nadler has an all-new show and an all-new concept that will open on Gay Pride and celebrate two gay legends of the past with a new trajectory for their art.

Feature: The 101 GREATEST YACHT ROCK SONGS OF ALL TIME for Your Summer Playlist - featuring Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross and Steely Dan
by Peter Nason - Jun 16, 2022


Reviewer Peter Nason counts down the greatest 101 YACHT ROCK HITS for your summertime listening pleasure.

Arlington's Signature Theatre Announces 2022/2023 Season Featuring Three Sondheim Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 24, 2022


Signature Theatre has announced its 33rd season today, which highlights the organization’s long-time relationship with the legendary Stephen Sondheim. Signature has produced 31 Sondheim productions in its 32 season history – more than any other theater in North America.

BWW Interview: Catching Up With The Men of MAMA'S BOYS (HEART) THE 80'S at Don't Tell Mama
by Stephen Mosher - May 21, 2022


The popular Boy Band of the cabaret scene is back with a fun new show, and they can be found at Mama's on June 3rd. Today, though, they can be found chatting with Broadway World Cabaret.

The 5th Avenue Theatre Announces 2022/23 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2022


The 5th Avenue Theatre announced its 2022/23 Season. The 2022/23 Season features a dynamic lineup of musical theater magic that includes a world premiere, a co-production with ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, and more. Check out the fill season

Eva Noblezada, Reeve Carney & More This April at The Green Room 42
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 30, 2022


The Green Room 42 has announced their April line-up for in-person performances. Located inside YOTEL Times Square (570 Tenth Avenue, Fourth Floor), The Green Room 42 is Broadway's newest and most spacious cabaret club.

Brian May's 'Another World' Revisited With Remastered Gold Series Reissue
by Michael Major - Feb 24, 2022


Restored by Bob Ludwig, the album will be reissued in multiple formats, including 1-CD and – on 180g heavyweight black vinyl – 1-LP versions. The 2CD Deluxe set adds Another Disc (mastered by Adam Ayan), while a 2-CD + 1-LP Collector’s Edition includes both CDs and a sky-blue vinyl LP in a 12” lift lid box, with a 32-page booklet and enamel badge.

BWW Exclusive: Jonathan Larson's College Roommate, Emmy-Winner Todd Robinson, Pens Essay About the Composer
by Todd Robinson - Feb 4, 2022


Emmy Award winning screen writer and director Todd Robinson is known for his work on White Squall, Lonely Hearts, The Last Full Measure and more. But a little known fact about Robinson is that he was the college roommate and best friend of Jonathan Larson.

Broadway Actors in THE GILDED AGE & How You Know Them
by Michael Major - Jan 30, 2022


Meet all of the Broadway actors in THE GILDED AGE! The new series features appearances by Audra McDonald, Denée Benton, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Kelli O'Hara, Carrie Coon, Claybourne Elder, Donna Murphy, Katie Finneran, Debra Monk, Taylor Richardson, Douglas Sills, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Patrick Page, Michael Cerveris, and more.

25 Theater Books for Your Winter 2022 Reading List
by Team BWW - Jan 29, 2022


Winter is here and what better time of year to stay in and snuggle up with a great book? You're in luck, because this year, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.

Son House to Release New Album 'Forever On My Mind'
by Michael Major - Dec 15, 2021


Forever On My Mind, the new album of previously unreleased Son House recordings from Easy Eye Sound, the independent label operated by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, is the premiere release from Waterman’s personal cache of ’60s recordings by some of the titans of Delta blues.

Fountain Hills Theater Announces the Opening of The Classic 50's Musical GREASE
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 14, 2021


After a whirlwind summer romance, greaser Danny and girl-next-door Sandy are unexpectedly reunited when she transfers to Rydell High for senior year. But can they survive the trials and tribulations of teenage life and find true love once more?

25 Theatre Books for Your Fall Reading List
by Team BWW - Nov 6, 2021


Fall has arrived and chilly weather means lots of time to snuggle under your favorite blanket with a great book. You're in luck, because this year, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind.

BWW Interview: Tommy Faragher, Musical Jack Of All Trades, Playing For John Lloyd Young Is SOLID GOLD
by Gil Kaan - Oct 18, 2021


Tommy Faragher, a long-time denizen of the entertainment industry, will next be onstage playing live for JOHN LLOYD YOUNG: SOLID GOLD at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s October 22nd and 23rd. Had the chance to delve into Tommy’s storied resume as a producer, composer, songwriter, arranger, and musician.

BWW Interview: Cate Hayman of CHESS IN CONCERT at 42nd Street Moon Aims to Be an Old-School Diva for Our Times
by Jim Munson - Sep 21, 2021


BroadwayWorld chats with Cate Hayman, star of 'CHESS in Concert' at 42nd Street Moon. The show marks Moon's return to live, in-person performance and features a killer score by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson and renowned lyricist Tim Rice. It remains the only musical of the modern era to generate multiple, massive hits on the pop charts.

BWW Review: BROADWAY BOUND at Beck Center For The Arts
by Roy Berko - Sep 12, 2021


A native New Yorker, Neil Simon is recognized as Broadway's King of Comedy. Following his very successful 1961 production of COME BLOW YOUR HORN, Simon's name on a script basically meant instant box office sell-outs during the era from 1960-1980, the Great White Way's era of comic plays.

Where Are They Now? Catch Up on the Careers of the Original Cast of MEAN GIRLS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 1, 2021


In our new series, 'Where Are They Now?' we're taking a look back at some of our favorite original Broadway casts, and catching up with their careers! Next up, the original cast of Mean Girls!

Battery Dance Festival To Feature 40 In-Person Performances In Celebration Of 40th Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 26, 2021


Battery Dance celebrates the 40th Anniversary of its free summer festival from August 12-20, 2021, in partnership with Battery Park City Authority. The 40th Annual Battery Dance Festival features 16 international dance films from August 12-14 at 7pm ET via YouTube. 40 in-person and livestreamed performances will be staged at Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, New York City, from August 15-20 at 7pm ET. In total, 32 premieres by 53 dance companies are offered to international audiences, promoting Battery Dance’s mission of connecting the world through dance.

BWW Interview: Michael McAssey Talks About OPEN MAC, Don't Tell Mama's Anniversary, and 40 Years of NYC Cabaret
by Ricky Pope - Jul 8, 2021


What do you get when you combine the pianistic finesse of Michael Feinstein, the smooth phrasing of Tony Bennett, and the bawdy wit of Bette Midler? You get Michael McAssey, who for 40 years has reigned as the clown prince of New York cabaret, and has enchanted as one of its most talented troubadours. He calls what he does 'schtick.' But that's undervaluing his unique blend of beautiful ballad singing and standup, or rather 'sit down' comedy.

Virtual Theatre This Week: June 14-20, 2021- with Rita Moreno, Kerry Butler, and More!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 14, 2021


This week (June 14-20) in live streaming: Rita Moreno visits Backstage Live, Show of Titles on demand, a Kerry Butler master class, a Guys and Dolls reunion, and so much more!

They're Playing Our Song FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of They're Playing Our Song have there been?
They're Playing Our Song has had 6 productions including Broadway which opened in 1979, Broadway which opened in 1979, US Tour which opened in 1979, West End which opened in 1980, US Tour which opened in 1981 and Off-Off-Broadway which opened in 1986.
What awards has They're Playing Our Song been nominated for?
They're Playing Our Song has been nominated for the Musical of the Year award at the Olivier Awards for both Neil Simon and Marvin Hamlisch.

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