HILLSBORO — Myers Dinner Theatre will present “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka. This musical comedy directed by artistic director Dion Stover opens on Friday and will run through Aug. 31.
Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” features nearly 20 timeless hits written by Neil Sedaka.
Marge and her stagestruck best friend, Lois, arrive at “Esther’s Paradise Resort” in the Catskills on Labor Day Weekend in 1960, on a vacation that was intended to be Marge’s honeymoon — until the groom left her at the altar. Lois attempts to console Marge by setting her up with the resort’s handsome, self-obsessed singer Del Delmonaco. But her plans backfire when Del mistakenly assumes that Marge’s father can further his ambitions to become the next teen heartthrob on “American Bandstand.”
Gazing forlornly at Marge from the wings is geekish cabana boy and aspiring songwriter, Gabe. When he isn’t entertaining the guests with classic, but still comical, Borscht Belt shtick, house comic Harvey secretly carries a torch for widowed resort owner, Esther, who is more preoccupied with trying to keep her resort open.
Featured in this production are MDT alumni TJ Bird (as Gabe), Don Hart (as Harvey) and Susan Boilek Smith (as Esther). Newcomers to the Myers’ stage are Jack Preston Issler (Del Delmonaco), Madison Meeron (Lois Warner) and Rae Squillante (Marge Gelman).
This nostalgic jukebox musical will take audiences on a lighthearted romp filled with laughter and love, and is suitable for all ages.
“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” will feature a food menu combining MDT favorites, as well as new items themed to the production. Selections will include: meatloaf, Hillsboro-famous “Red Meat,” chicken cacciatore, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, California blend vegetables and peas; for dessert, lemon bars and apple crisp. Two of the specialty items from the menu hold significance: chicken cacciatore is selected from a vintage Catskills resort menu from the 1960s and the “Red Meat” entree (pork steak with a red sauce) is lovingly passed down from owner Mark McGrady’s mother.
“‘Red Meat’ is my mother’s most famous recipe and its fame has spread to other families here in Hillsboro,” McGrady said.
Wednesday matinee seating for meals is at 11:30 a.m. with curtain at 1:30 p.m. Friday evening performances will have seating for meals at 6 p.m. with curtain at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees will have seating for meals at noon and curtain at 2 p.m. During this performance, trivia contests based on the late 1950s and early 1960s will be held between the meal and the show.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 765-798-4902, ext. 2, or by visiting the MDT website at www.myersdt.com.
During the run of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do,” a special concert will be presented by The Logan Kirby Band on Aug. 13. Dinner is served at
6:30 p.m. with show at 8 p.m.
Performance dates and times can vary, so consult the online calendar for updated information. Theater prices are $59.54 for dinner and show, $47.50 for students (ages 4-18), and show-only for $39.50. Prices do not include taxes, handling fees or gratuity for waitstaff. Season tickets, group pricing and bus parking are also available.
Myers Dinner Theatre is located at 108 Water St., Hillsboro, and is handicapped accessible.
