by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
The Alhambra Dinner Theatre has been among Jacksonville’s top entertainment destination for more than 40 years and they just opened the North Florida premier of Breaking up Is Hard to Do. This musical features sixteen songs of legendary singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka, which have been woven into a story by Erik Jackson and Ben H. Winters.
Sedaka, who at age 68 still occasionally performs, has written over 1,000 songs, was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, and was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
This show is set in the l960s at a Catskills resort nightclub. The open stage is used for the entire show, with a bandstand and a 4-piece band in place. A backstage wall slides in and out for action behind the scenes.
Marge (Sarah Spigelman) is in the audience of the floorshow trying to get over being jilted at the church by her intended groom. She has brought along her girlfriend Lois, to share the accommodations that would have been her honeymoon suite.
W.C. Green is Del Demonoco, the headline singer, who comes across as a mix of Elvis and Vince Fontaine (of Grease). Despite the fact that he loves himself and uses people, he is a dynamic singer and performer. Del makes a play for Marge, thinking her father is a big time manager of talent who can help his career.
Gabe (D. Garrett Smith) is a combination handyman, busboy, and cabana boy who acts like a nerd, but is secretly a brilliant songwriter. He also develops the hots for Marge complicating the issue of who is in love with whom.
The final two cast members are Esther, the owner of the resort, played by Alhambra veteran Patti Eyler and Harry, played by Tony Triano, the master of ceremonies, standup comic, and occasional vocalist. The expected romances develop, but it is mostly the wonderful music that fits nicely into and shapes the lightweight and funny story. Alhambra newcomer Michele Scully is Lois, the ultimate dumb blond with a gorgeous body, a beautiful face, and a terrific singing voice. I don’t need a crystal ball to predict a future with many leading roles for this very talented lady.
I hope some day Tony Triano will put together a one-man show. He has done so many terrific roles and bits of just a few could easily become a two-hour show. In Breaking up is Hard to Do, he sings the signature song by adding his own special charm. He also makes a brief but hilarious appearance as Miss December in the song ‘Calendar Girl.’ Playing gender-bending roles is nothing new to Tony, and he was fabulous in La Cage aux Folles, and as the teacher in Grease.
As I listened to song after song, I was surprised at how many I remembered, but of course Sedeka has many Billboard hits. You will find yourself humming along with Connie Francis’s signature song, ‘Where the Boys Are.’ Or perhaps numbers like ‘Oh Carol,’ ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,’ or ‘Love Will Keep Us Together’ will bring back memories of the 60s and 70s.
The humor is suitable for all audiences and reminded me of comedian Heni Youngman. Example: “They say that a man is not complete until he is married . . . then he is FINISHED.”
Ellen Milligan is the Musical Director and also leads the excellent band on the piano. Adam Dateline, Andrea Dateline, and Maria DeSimone are the very harmonious backup singers who you will hear during the entire show, but only see at curtain call since they perform totally behind the set.
Director/Choreographer Tod Booth has an impressive cast in this show with excellent voices. Breaking up Is Hard to Do is a very likeable and entertaining musical. Although you have most likely never seen this production, it has many songs that you are sure to know and enjoy. Most of Neil Sedaka’s songs are about relationships and romance and never go out of style. Breaking up Is Hard to Do will run through February 10th at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre (12000 Beach Blvd). Call (904) 641-1212 for more information and to make reservations.
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