Breaking Up Is Hard to Do

Book by Erik Forrest Jackson & Ben H. Winters • Music by Neil Sedaka, arranged by Tom Kitt • Lyrics by Neil Sedaka, Howard Greenfield
& Cody Philip

From the Actors Playhouse production

Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do is the sweetly comic story of Lois and Marge, two friends from Brooklyn in search of good times and romance over one wild Labor Day weekend. The score showcases 19 Neil Sedaka classics, including “Where the Boys Are,” “Sweet Sixteen,” “Calendar Girl,” and, of course, the chart-topping title song.

Bright-eyed bombshell Lois drags the recently jilted Marge to Esther’s Paradise, where they meet a zany cast of characters: Harvey Feldman, an irrepressible Borscht belt comedian; the slick, handsome headliner, Del Delmonaco; clumsy jack-of-all-trades Gabe Green; and the tough, spunky proprietress herself, Esther Simowitz.

When Lois’s efforts to cheer up Marge collide with Del’s attempts to make himself a big star, the result is a case of mistaken identity, misdirected love and a series of hysterical hijinks—all culminating in one unforgettable end-of-summer concert. Before the weekend is over, Marge, Lois and the others will experience a little “Laughter in the Rain,” tangle with “Stupid Cupid,” and realize that, indeed, “Love Will Keep Us Together.”

“Hits all the right notes! Sedaka’s songs—including ‘Stupid Cupid,’ ‘Calendar Girl,’ and ‘Laughter In the Rain’—are deftly woven into the book … and feel right at home on the stage. Frothy fun!” 
— The Times Union (New York)

“The perfect antidote to the recession-era blues … and an immensely enjoyable confection. A blissfully melodic trip down memory lane.” — Backstage

“A burst of gee-whiz enjoyment. Turns the songbook into an emotional journey.”
— The Florida Sun-Sentinel

 “Cute, bubbly and funny! Opened to a thunderous ovation. Will sweep you back thoughtfully to the 1960s.”
— Florida Entertainment News and Views

 “A smart, tongue-in-cheek, bouncy little pocket musical. A knockout!”
— The Daily Gazette (New York)

Licensed by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, the musical has been produced across the U.S. and around the globe, from London to Seoul.