Civic Theatre of Allentown returns to live theater with the Neil Simon award-winning musical comedy, “‘They’re Playing Our Song,” July 23-31 on the Main Stage, Nineteenth Street Theatre, 527 N. 19th St., Allentown.

“We are back,” says William Sanders, Civic Theatre of Allentown Artistic Director. “Don’t miss this feel-good romantic comedy,” he adds.

Civic’s last show was the virtual production of the one-man comedy, “Buyer and Cellar,” in June. The theater last presented a live show in December with another one-person comedy, “Who’s Holiday,” but the run was cut short because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Civic is ready to return to live productions, says Sanders, who directs “They’re Playing Our Song.”

As is the case with other theaters, Civic is treading cautiously with a smaller musical for its first in-person show this year.

“They’re Playing Our Song” is essentially a two-character show, although each main character has a three-person Greek chorus acting as their inner voices. However, there are no big production numbers.

Broadway’s legendary playwright Simon teamed up with renowned composer Marvin Hamlisch to create the musical inspired by Hamlisch’s relationship with his one-time partner and lyricist Carol Bayer Sager, who wrote the lyrics for the show.

In “They’re Playing Our Song,” art imitates life as Vernon Gersch, an established composer, starts working with Sonia Walsk, an aspiring young female lyricist. Professionally, Vernon and Sonia’s relationship works beautifully, but personally they hit a few bumps. Romance blossoms, conflict rears its head, and comedic sparks fly.

The show opened on Broadway in 1979 and was nominated for four Tony Awards.

Sanders, who calls the show “sweet and funny,” says it’s been great to be back rehearsing live with “a fantastic wonderful marvelous group of people.”

Vernon and Sonia are played by Lehigh Valley theater veterans Ryan Doncsecz and Rebecca Pieper.

Doncsecz was last seen at Civic in “The Secret Garden” and also performed in virtual cabarets. He played Frank Abagnale Jr. in the Munopco Music Theatre production of “Catch Me If You Can.”

Pieper teaches voice at The Musik Makers, Nazareth, recently played Gabby in “City of Angels,” and the narrator in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Pennsylvania Playhouse.

Vernon’s inner voices are played by Luke Hauck, Jason Roth and Joshua Schwirtz. Sonia’s inner voices are played by Mackenzie Lynch, Kate Pistone and Kyla Reese.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. July 23, 24, 30, 31 and 2 p.m. July 25.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, seats will be assigned according to the theater-goers’ group and when the ticket order was placed. Face masks must be worn while inside the theater.

The concession stand will not be open. A bottle of water will be provided each patron upon arrival. Bottled water will be available for purchase at intermission.

Tickets: bit.ly/TPOSCivic; 610-433-8903

PSF Young Company project:

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival continues with “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” 3 p.m. July 24 and 25, Air Products Open Air Theatre, as part of the Young Company Shakespeare Project.

The Young Company Shakespeare Project provides live Shakespeare performance opportunities for DeSales University student actors who make up PSF’s Young Company.

“Love’s Labour’s Lost,” directed by Jessica Bedford, follows four idealistic young men who give up food, fun and women to dedicate themselves to study and fasting. But when four young women arrive, the men’s vows are put to the test in a romantic comedy of mistaken identities, confessions of love and heartfelt affection.

The performance will be socially-distanced at the outdoor theater. Patrons are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. Face masks are not required for theater-goers when outdoors but are required in indoors on the DeSales University campus, including Labuda Center for the Performing Arts. The show’s run time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets: www.pashakespeare.org; 610-282-9455

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com