OGUNQUIT -- Neil Sedaka sat down at a table in the lounge of the Five-O in Ogunquit and requested a glass of ice water, without the ice.

"Constricts the vocal chords," he said. "I never take ice in my drinks."

The silver-haired pop music icon also avoids conversations in loud rooms so he doesn't have to raise his voice, insists on eight to 10 hours of sleep each night and takes a brisk 30-minute walk every morning.

That regimen, he said, is the key his longevity in the entertainment business.

"I still have a voice, and I still love what I do," said Sedaka, 69. "I take care of myself."

Looking fit and trim, Sedaka came to Ogunquit on Tuesday night to catch the production of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," the musical based on his songs that is playing through Saturday at the Ogunquit Playhouse. At the end of the show, he joined the cast on stage for an impromptu performance of "Love Will Keep Us Together," earning the latest standing ovation in a career that began more than a half-century ago.

Afterward, he joined the cast for a reception at the Five-O on Shore Road.

His appearance in Maine came at the request of the theater. The playhouse is proud of its show, and wanted Sedaka to see it.

His review? Two thumbs up.

"I loved it. I thought they did a terrific job. The music is pretty good, too," he said with a wink. Brooklyn-born, Sedaka remains active with his music, singing 35 concerts each year.

He earned his greatest fame between 1960 and 1962, when he had eight Top 40 hits. His biggest song is "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," which went to No. 1, but he has many others, including "Calendar Girl" and "Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen."

He began his career as a pianist, and is considered a leading songwriter of his generation and master of the pop standard. Last fall, the Lincoln Center in New York City hosted a concert honoring him and his career. Guests included the Captain and Tennille -- the 70s duo that had a hit with "Love Will Keep Us Together" -- Natalie Cole, Connie Frances and "American Idol" champ Clay Aiken.

Sedaka is a big fan of "American Idol," the popular TV show for which he served as celebrity judge a few years ago. He appreciates the show because it tends to feature the kinds of songs that Sedaka made popular -- melodious tunes with catchy, witty lyrics.

Those are the kinds of songs that stay with you, even after 50 years, he said. The musical "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" tells the story of two women friends who head off to a Catskills Mountain resort in search of romance over Labor Day weekend, after one was spurned in love. Sedaka served as creative consultant for the musical, which meant mostly approving the use of his songs.

The musical has renewed interest in his career. In the last few years, several compilations of his songs have been released, and he has been the subject of numerous high-profile media interviews.

In addition to playing concerts, he also continues to record. He has a collection of 12 new songs, soon to be released, and is working on a Christmas CD. He also has a CD for children with some of his better known songs reworked, with such titles as "Waking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Lunch Will Keep Us Together." His grand kids sang the doo-wops.

Sedaka is thankful for his charmed life.

"When I arrive for a concert and see my name on the sign out front, I still can't believe it's me. I can't believe I'm Neil Sedaka."