CVRep to Present Musical Comedy ROMANCE ROMANCE

Following the enormous success and critical acclaim of their season opener, Venus in Fur and in keeping with this year's theme of "Romance: Real or Imagined, The Coachella Valley Repertory (CVRep) has announced it will present Romance/Romance, a delightfully savvy and tuneful musical comedy as the second production of its 2017-18 season.

With a book and lyrics by Barry Harman and music by Keith Herrmann, Romance/Romance is comprised of two acts linked only by the common theme of love and one song performed in both acts. The two one act mini musicals take varied peeks at romance seekers through a host of tuneful songs cleverly woven into each story.

The first act, based on Arthur Schnitzler's short story, The Little Comedy, is a delightful musical romp that explores the budding relationship between two people who have adopted personas other than their own. Set in 19th Century Vienna, the musical focuses on Josephine, a sophisticated, hedonist tired of the social life provided by her upper-class lovers and wealthy playboy Alfred, who is also bored with his endless inconsequential affairs. Josephine assumes the guise of a working-class woman, while Alfred affects the role of a struggling poet. The two meet as their new identities while trying to survive a weekend in the country with their usually glamorous trappings replaced by inedible food, horrible wine, swarming insects, and total boredom.

Summer Share, the second act, is based on Jules Renard's 1898 play Le pain de ménage. The musical is updated to the late 1980s and set in The Hamptons, where two married couples in their thirties are spending the season sharing a rented cottage. Sam, who is married to Barb, and Monica, who is married to Lenny, find themselves gradually progressing from harmless flirtation to the serious possibility of an illicit affair.

Directed by Ron Celona with Musical Direction by Jaci Davis and featuring a four-piece band, Romance/Romance will star Robyn Cohen, Conchita Belisle Newman, Eric B. Anthony and Christopher Carothers

Initially performed off-off-Broadway in 1987, Romance/Romance garnered critical notices that encouraged the move to Broadway. It opened on Broadway May 1, 1988 at the Helen Hayes Theatre.

Romance/Romance will enjoy a four-week run from Wednesday, January 17th through Sunday, February 11th at The Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre located in the Atrium 69-930 Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30pm, with 2pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $48 (Previews), $63 (Opening Night), and $53 for all other performances. 3-play subscriptions are currently on sale through the box office. For more information, call 760-296-2966 or visit the website at cvrep.org.

THE COACHELLA VALLEY REPERTORY THEATRE is a non-profit, professional regional theatre. It is the only theatre in the Coachella Valley that has Small Professional Theatre (SPT) status with Actor's Equity.

The Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre is an educational and dramatic theater organization that presents innovative productions and children's outreach programs designed to enrich the quality of life for Coachella Valley residents and visitors. For more information, call 760-296-2966 or visit www.cvrep.org.

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