Interview: Reed Halvorson, director of BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO at Centre Stage

Breaking up is hard to do. Or so we learned from Neil Sedaka in his hit song, just one of many classics featured in Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, a jukebox musical opening July 26 at Centre Stage in Greenville, SC.

Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, the show introduces us to two friends from Brooklyn in search of good times and romance over one wild Labor Day weekend. The score showcases such songs as "Where the Boys Are", "Sweet Sixteen", "Calendar Girl", "Love Will Keep Us Together", and of course, the chart-topping title song.

We asked director Reed Halvorson to give us a preview of what we can expect to see.

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Tell us a little about the show.

It all takes place at the end of the summer of 1960 in the Catskills of New York. This charming musical is supported with a host of infectious hits from the extensive song catalogue of Neil Sedaka. Marge and her best friend Lois head to Esther's Paradise after Marge's fiance leaves her at the altar. When the local help, Gabe, brings the ladies onstage for a chance meeting with the star crooner Del Delmanaco, everyone's Memorial Day weekend plans change instantly. Especially with the news of a big producer coming from Dick Clark, Esther and lounge comedian, Harvey, might have a chance to come together and save the failing lounge. With a live four-piece band, terrific choreography by Mary Evan Giles, and appropriately kitschy setting. Expect a load of laughs, a heaping scoop of love, and tons of fun in this musical romp perfect for the entire family.

Tell us about some of the key cast/crew.

We have two reliable stalwarts who give their all in every show, Rod McClendon (Harvey) and Arleen Black (Esther). They are a magical duo with comedic chemistry that was present from the very beginning. Then Josh Thomason (Del) is spot on in his portrayal of the confident crooner, while Sterling Street (Gabe) is able to exude the lovable nerd with ease. Mariel Zmarzly (Marge) is impeccable as the awkward and heartbroken Marge supported by her incredible vocals. Charly Anne Roper is the infectiously spitfire, Lois. It's a hardworking, talented (everyone, even Rod, can really sing), and wonderful group of people offstage so it's been fantastic to see their efforts come together so perfectly onstage.

What is your own background with the music of Neil Sedaka?

It's a silly story I reference briefly in my Directors Notes, but it goes back to the second season of American Idol. My dad was and still is a big fan as a music major, former band teacher, and musician (I hope he isn't embarrassed I'm sharing this...) But when Clay Aiken sang "Solitaire" on that show, Simon was less than kind, per usual. My dad called and went on a pretty extensive rant, about how Clay sang it exactly as Neil Sedaka would have. I went down the rabbit hole to learn about all the songs and his way of singing. Fast forward to last spring when I was approached by Centre Stage to take on this musical. As soon as I looked at the song list, I was thinking, my dad would love this musical, I have to do this. And the way Mariel sings "Solitaire," even Simon Cowell would approve.

What do you think will be most surprising to audiences?

I think the way the Neil Sedaka songs are used is really smart. From "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" to "King of Clowns" to the hit he wrote for Connie Wilson, "Stupid Cupid." In the "jukebox" musical, the effective use of the songs to elevate and further the story is what makes us enjoy the show as much as the individual songs themselves. I think this show does a great job of using the songs to benefit of character and story development. I also think the script as a whole is full of some great laughs, memorable characters, and nostalgia that will allow anyone to get away for a couple of hours and smile.

What's your favorite production number in this show?

Wow, Neil, that's like trying to say you like one of your children more, ha ha. (That's why I only have one child, so that I can say it and not get in trouble later.) I will go with the "Love Will Keep Us Together," because everyone is in it and Mary Evan Giles' choreography combined with some of my staging helps to embody the whole story and each character in one big musical number. If it sounds too good to be true, well, you'll just have to see it to believe it. It's really a fantastic number.

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Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

Book by: Erik Jackson & Ben H. Winters
Music by: Neil Sedaka
Directed by: Reed Halvorson
Music Directed by: Holly Caprell
Show dates: July 26 - Aug. 18, 2018
Performances: Thursday - Saturday 8 pm, Sunday Matinees 3:00

Centre Stage is located at 501 River St in downtown Greenville, SC.

For tickets and additional information contact the box office at 864-233-6733 or visit centrestage.org

Photo credit: Escobar Photography

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