They're Playing Our Song 1980 - Articles Page 2.6

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

Get They're Playing Our Song Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

They're Playing Our Song - 1980 - West End Articles Page 2.6

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!

What's On Stage This Summer? Check Out Our Guide To Theatre Across The Country!
by Alan Henry - Apr 24, 2021


We've rounded up some of the top productions on stage this summer! Find something near you to see using our comprehensive guide below!

Student Blog: Zodiac Signs of Tony-Nominated Musicals
by Student Blogger: Madison Moore - Mar 22, 2021


The criteria are that these shows have been nominated for Best Musical from the 3rd Tony Awards (the ceremony that started the Best Musical category) in 1949 to the nominations of what will now be the 74th Tony Awards in 2021. I will be determining their signs based upon their Broadway premiere date. With those rules in mind, here we go!

BWW Interview: Jamie deRoy & Laughs & Memories & More
by Stephen Mosher - Mar 12, 2021


In an in-depth interview with one of the industry's most fascinating women, Stephen Mosher covers the bases and the decades with Jamie deRoy

James Holvay Will Release EP 'Sweet Soul Song' on April 16
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Mar 11, 2021


“Curtis Mayfield was the guy that I always idolized,” says Holvay, who wrote his first song at the age of 12. “I always gravitated toward black music when I was a kid. My roots were always in black music.”

Opera Star Quinn Kelsey and Ukelele Virtuoso Taimane Come Together for OPERA KANIKAPILA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2021


This year has been a challenging one to say the least; particularly in the arts. Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre, like other performing arts organi-ations, has been facing a changing landscape, not only due to the pandemic (which forced HOT to postpone the 20-21 season) but also in the way people consume entertainment.

BWW Interview: Roger Joseph Manning Jr. Talks Lickerish Quartet, Songwriting, and the Utopian Music World of the Early '80s
by Sarah Jae Leiber - Jan 28, 2021


Ex-Jellyfish members Roger Joseph Manning Jr. (Beck, Air, Cheap Trick, Imperial Drag), Tim Smith (Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Finn Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Umajets) and Eric Dover (Imperial Drag, Slash’s Snakepit, Alice Cooper, Sextus)—kicked off the new year the best way they know how…with brand new music.

BWW Feature: At Brandy's Piano Bar The Show Must Go On, Come Snow or Come Shine
by Stephen Mosher - Jan 28, 2021


Four decades later and in the middle of a show business shut down, Brandy's Piano Bar is still offering live entertainment ... and some great hot toddies.

BWW Interview: Thomas March of POETRY/CABARET
by Stephen Mosher - Jan 3, 2021


Poet and producer Thomas March is breaking new ground in small venue performing, and he has caught the attention of many who are interested in broadening their entertainment experiences.

Wake Up With BWW 12/31: Guide to RATATOUILLE: THE TIKTOK MUSICAL and More!
by Stephi Wild - Dec 31, 2020


Today's top stories: check out our guide to Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, Seth Rudetsky chats with Richard Ridge on Backstage Live, read our interview with Brian Stokes Mitchell, and more!

BWW Interview: Michele Brourman and Amanda McBroom Offer Online Songwriting Course
by Stephen Mosher - Nov 7, 2020


When the best in the business pass their craft down to online students, Broadway World and Stephen Mosher want to hear more.

Kravis Center Announces 2020-2021 Season of Concerts, Comedy, Dance and Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 31, 2020


With a line-up that features world-class artists in music, dance, comedy, top-touring Broadway hits and more, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts continues its tradition of offering a diverse season with something for everyone.

Here Are the 25 Main Slate Films Selected for the 2020 NYFF
by Kelle Long - Aug 13, 2020


Film at Lincoln Center announces the 25 films that comprise the Main Slate of the 58th New York Film Festival, September 17 - October 11.

Yenisei Crossing By Mystified On Spotted Peccary Music
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 24, 2020


On Yenisei Crossing, sound adventurer Mystified (aka Thomas Park) presents a fearless and striking collection of sonic collages that explore the random yet cyclic nature of recorded looping sounds overlapping at different durations and tempos. The soundscapes, inspired by the Yenisei river that winds its way through the stark landscapes of Siberia, provide a constantly moving soundtrack generated from a surreal and haunting blend of pulsing acoustic percussion, real world events, and ethereal atmospherics.

BWW Interview: Robert Kelley Looks Back on His Amazing 50-Year Run at the Helm of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
by Jim Munson - Jun 25, 2020


It is time for Robert Kelley to take a richly-deserved curtain call. June 30th will be his last day as Artistic Director of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley after a mind-blowing 50 years in that role. It is not hyperbole to state there isn't another individual who has had a more profound influence on the Bay Area theatre landscape. Kelley founded TheatreWorks as a scrappy, community theater company in April, 1970 and guided its transformation over the years into a Tony-winning powerhouse and nationally-recognized incubator of new works. BroadwayWorld had the pleasure of speaking with Kelley earlier this spring to discuss his half-century history with TheatreWorks.

Richard Jay-Alexander Chats With Theatre Legend Albert Poland About His Book STAGES, Judy Garland, The Biz and More
by Robert Diamond - Jun 26, 2020


Getting on the phone with Albert Poland totally swept me away and into the world we love for a glorious 45 minutes...

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.

Videos