Photo Flash: Meadow Brook Theatre Presents BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO
Audiences will want to hum along to familiar tunes like "Stupid Cupid," "Where the Boys Are" and "Laughter in the Rain," as well as the title song, during this comic revue of Neil Sedaka's songbook. Set in 1960 over Labor Day weekend, this is the story of what happens onstage and off at Esther's Paradise Resort in the Catskills.
Marge may have been left at the altar, but, with her friend, Lois, by her side, she intends to enjoy her Catskill's honeymoon. It's a good thing the resort's crooner, Del, is there to cheer them up. But while the women watch Del, shy songwriter, Gabe, has noticed Marge. Meanwhile, the comic-emcee, Harvey, is carrying a torch for the widowed Esther, who is too preoccupied trying to keep her resort afloat to notice.
By Eric Jackson and Ben H. Winters, with music by Neil Sedaka and lyrics by Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield and Cody Philip, "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" is a Michigan Premiere produced by Meadow Brook Theatre, the state's largest professional theatre.
Many of the faces onstage will be familiar to audiences, with actors who've appeared shows such as "Boeing-Boeing," "Nunsense" and "Beyond the Rainbow" pleased to be returning to MBT. Newcomer Billy Konsoer plays Del, with Katie Hardy as Marge and Andrea Mellos as Lois. Bashful Gabe is played by Jamie Kolacki. Mary Robin Roth is resort-owner Esther and Tobin Hissong is the resort's emcee, Harvey.
Meadow Brook Theatre Interim Artistic Director Travis W. Walter directs, with choreography by Jennifer George-Consiglio, scenic design by Vince Mountain, costume design by Corey T. Globke, lighting design by Reid G. Johnson and sound design by Mike Duncan. Terry W. Carpenter is the stage manager and Sarah Warren is the assistant stage manager.
Musical director Stacy White is also the conductor and pianist, with Sig Hepler on guitar, P.J. Vasquez on bass and Dave Legacy on percussion.
Tickets range from $24 to $39 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group discounts. The schedule includes an American Sign Language interpreted performance on Wednesday, May 5 at 8:00 p.m.This production of "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" is made possible through the generosity of Extended Stay Hotels, Meadow Brook Theatre Guild, AT&T Yellowpages and The Observer & Eccentric Newspapers.
Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for over 40 years.
All Photos by Rick Smith of Rick's Photography.
Katie Hardy and Billy Konsoer
Andrea Mellos, Billy Konsoer and Katie Hardy
Andrea Mellos and Katie Hardy
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