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Vernon and Sonia. What does these two have in common: they make absolutely beautiful music together. But like adding sugar to whiskey, their alliance can be potently  intoxicating. Dionysus may have known what he was doing when he brought the two together. In the Scripps Ranch Theatre’s production of, They’re Playing Our Song, Dionysus is not the only connection that could be made in relation to Greek theater. A device that was used commonly in Aristotle’s day, the Greek chorus is given a new direction under the guidance of director Rick Shaffer and the words of playwright Neil Simon. Sonia, who comes across as slightly crazed, has more than one persona, whom she calls “her girls”. When it comes to moral support or advice she goes to them. Vernon, not to be ousted by Sonia, declares he, too, has his own support system: “his boys”. So is created the dynamic Vernon and Sonia ensemble that will help narrate this fantastical production. What the Vernon and Sonia chorus might also represent are guardian angels, pleasant speculators who help along the fates of these two lovers.
Vernon Gersch is an award winning composer. Already with two Grammy’s and an Oscar under his belt, he is the better qualified half to the Sonia-Vernon ensemble. Sonia Walsk comes in as the babbling new-comer to the business, already star-struck by the great Vernon Gersch. She first appears in the first scene a nervous wreck. Her nerves absolutely getting the better hold of her, we first see her in Vernon’s apartment dressed in her wacky outfit backwards. After many late appointments and one too many outrageous outfits later, Vernon realizes he might be having his hands full.
In Act one, scene three Vernon and Sonia’s relationship abruptly takes on a new dimension. At Le Club, both Vernon and Sonia both get to discover their songs being aired at the club. Vernon and Sonia each does a happy dance, a little celebratory hop and skip as they break into song, “They’re Playing My Song”. Sonia lays on the table the rules for their working relationship: they must get to socially know one another in order to collaborate well together. Vernon calls it dating, but, of course, Sonia begs to differ. She has her own wild explanation for what they are doing, hence the premise for their socially getting to know each other without the grounds to keep on meeting, therefore not dating--this was a purely “working relationship”. As the scene progresses, Vernon and Sonia gets close. But Vernon never gets to finish his tale with the infamous Natalie, whom he was previously about to marry until the whole engagement was throttled by something left unspoken. Incidentally, Sonia gets to hear the lyrics of her song next and breaks into song herself. We don’t get to know until later exactly why Vernon broke up his engagement with Natalie, which will play a very vital role in the outcome of the play. Like Vernon’s excuses for later on breaking off his relationship with Sonia, the explanation comes a little too late, making audiences mistaken the interruption as a hole in the story. The explanation with the whole Natalie-bit does come along, but more as an after-thought so that it could be easily missed.
Barron Henzel, who plays Vernon, does a spectacular job portraying the smart-aleck, sarcastic composer. His timing is perfect, the jokes running out of his month in rapid succession. As an audience member to this play, your belief will definitely be suspended with superb acting and great music and lyrics. With music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Carol Bayer Sager, the actual giants are really Hamlisch and Simon, both having procured abundant acclaim and awards before collaborating together. Together this trio has made an entertaining and lasting piece of classical work.
Jennie Gray Connard’s performance is equally laudable. Her portrayal of the indescribable Sonia is heart-warming. With multiple costume changes to fit her character’s eccentric fashion sense, it will slowly dawn on audience members that the outfits might represent Sonia’s state of mind. As the progression of Sonia’s clothes get more and more sensible we realize her persona is too getting more mature. Connard does a spectacular job chronicling her character’s growth in this role.
Although at times sappy (some might outwardly cringe over Henzel and Connard’s multiple make-out sessions), this production of a vastly entertaining romantic-comedy has the guns to be a sure-fire hit. A must-see, audience members who are looking for an entertaining and fun-loving comedy will not be disappointed. Don’t miss it: They’re Playing Our Song runs at The Legler Benbough Theatre, located on the campus of Alliant International University, from January 16 – February 20. For more info, please visit: www.scrippsranchtheatre.org or call the box office at 858-578-7728
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