Real-Life Lovers Star in They're Playing Our Song At Fox Valley Rep

Fox Valley Repertory's fall Broadway musical by Neil Simon about the real life romance of Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Singer is ready to be performed by off-stage lovers, award-winning Chicago actor Michael Mahler and wife Dara Cameron. Directed by Jonathan Berry, hailed as "one of Chicago's most talented young directors" by Chicago Tribune, performances will take place at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage (4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL; box office 630-584-6342).

They're Playing Our Song will preview Thursday, August 18 through Friday, August 26, 2011. The show will open Saturday evening, August 27, 2011 and continue through Sunday, October 9, 2011.

Tickets are priced at $29 on Fridays (and limited Thursday performances), and at $39 on Saturdays and Sundays. Dinner show packages are available from $49. Group rates and overnight packages are also available.

Real-Life couple Dara Cameron and
Michael Mahler. Trademan Photography
When an award-winning, straight-laced composer teams up with a quirky, aspiring lyricist, it's far from a match made in musical heaven. But when an unexpected romance builds between them, they hilariously struggle to find harmony. Neil Simon's romantic musical will leave a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
The show originally opened at the Ahmanson Theatre in December 1978, then headed to Broadway, where it ran for over 1,000 performances in 2 1/2 years. The musical is based on the real-life, romantic relationship of the show's composer, Marvin Hamlisch, and lyricist, Carole Bayer Sager.
"Watching two people who you know are meant for each other but always seem to find a way to ruin it is what this charming musical is all about," says Artistic Director John Gawlik. "With the stellar cast of the talented, award-winning Michael Mahler alongside wife Dara Cameron, this will give the show an element of realness to it. And having Jonathan Berry direct this show is really exciting for us."

The cast of They're Playing Our Song features (in alphabetical order): Naperville native Dara Cameron, Hoffman Estates native Rodrigo Cruz, Madeline Duffy-Feins, Michael Mahler (previously in FVR's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Leah Morrow, Doug Pawlik, Sara Sevigny, and Matthew Sherbach (previously in FVR's Around the World in 80 Days). The three-piece band includes Music Director Ken Jones of Wayne, Justin Akira Kono, and Taylor Brysiewics.

Jonathan Berry directs the show after previously directing the four-star production of Festen for Steep Theatre Company, A Separate Peace for Steppenwolf for Young Adults, and Melinda Lopez's Gary for First Look. Most recently, he has directed the world premier of Andrew Hinderacker's Suicide, Incorporated for The Gift. He is a Griffin Company artistic associate where recent productions include: Picnic, Time And The Conways (Jeff nominated - director/ensemble), Dead End, Be More Chill, the North American premier of Simon Stephens' On the Shore of the Wide World, Brendan Behan's The Hostage and the critically acclaimed Journey's End. He has taught acting, directing, and viewpoints at Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Act One Studios and The School at Steppenwolf.

They're Playing Our Song opens on Thursday, August 18, 2011 and runs through Sunday, October 9, 2011. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Thursday performances are available on August 18 and 25 at 8pm; and September 1, 15 and October 6 at 2pm. The show is rated PG.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and is sponsored in part by the Daily Herald and Dupage Airport.

Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.

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