THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SONG Plays MCCC's Kelsey Theatre, Now thru 6/7

When an accomplished Broadway composer connects with a talented young lyricist, their professional success seems like a sure thing. But as the partnership gets personal, life gets complicated. Join Pierrot Productions for the Neil Simon classic "They're Playing Our Song," coming to Mercer County Community College's (MCCC's) Kelsey Theatre Fridays, tonight, May 29 and June 5 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, May 30 and June 6 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, May 31 and June 7 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on MCCC's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night show on May 29.

First performed on Broadway in 1979, "They're Playing Our Song" is a two-character musical, with Vernon Gersch as the established composer and Sonia Walsk as the eccentric lyricist. In a clever plot device, the story is told not only by Vernon and Sonia, but also by their alter egos at different ages and stages of life. The story is based on the real-life relationship between Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager. Neil Simon's comic script is complemented with music by Hamlisch and lyrics by Bayer Sager.

Appearing in the main roles are Thomas Coppolecchia 0f Bordentown as Vernon Gersch and Rachel Gitel of Philadelphia, Pa., as Sonia Walsk. Vernon's alter egos include Zack Treusch of Burlington, Mike Wemer of Westampton, and Devon Wheeler of Ewing. Appearing as Sonia's alter egos are Haley Ackermann of Marlton, Jaclyn Biancaniello of Hainesport and Kailee Graham of Ewing.

The production team includes Director Pete LaBriola, Music Director Pam Sharples, Conductor Lou Woodruff and Choreographer Haley Ackermann.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey webpage or call the box office for a brochure.

Pictured, clockwise from lower left: Kailee Graham, Haley Ackermann, Rachel Gitel as Sonia (sitting on piano), Devon Wheeler, Mike Wemer, Jaclyn Biancaniello and Tom Coppolecchia as Vernon (on bench).