A collaboration among librettist Simon, composer Marvin Hamlisch ("A Chorus Line") and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager, the story is about Hamlisch and Sager's real-life romance at the time. When kooky lyricist Sonia (Block) comes face to face with her new collaborator, songwriter Vernon (Jason Alexander), the meet-cute flirtations and flippant Simon repartee instantly kick into gear, along with the predictable odd-couple skirmishes. Complicating things—well, just barely—is Sonia's far-fetched refusal to let go of her current fling, often mentioned but not seen. For a story supposedly about the world of music makers, there's little here that has much to do with that subject. Instead we get a predictable string of Simon one-liners, periodically interrupted by generic pop ditties—highlighted by the delightful and durable title duet). Joining the stars in what is essentially a musical two-hander are six "voices," occasional onstage presences that serve little discernible purpose.
Yet no evening in the company of the effervescent Block could be considered a washout. She has seldom before seemed so funny, vocally superb, or charming. She plays Sonia as a wacky waif with a brain and a heart, whose wardrobe consists of discarded community-theater costumes. Alexander knows exactly how to make the most of the best Simon zingers, and he's an amiable nebbish, crooning the pop tunes with energy and wit. John Iacovelli's clever set—emulating a phonograph turntable—adds a note of nostalgic fun to the proceedings.
Presented by Reprise Theatre Company at the Freud Playhouse, UCLA campus, Sunset at Hilgard.
Sept. 29–Oct. 10. Tue.–Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.
(310) 825-2101. www.reprise.org.