The Sunshine Boys
Directed by Michael Fusco
Production Kickoff: January 05, 2025
Audition: January 12, 2025
Performance Dates
Mar. 30 & Apr. 6, 2025 at 2:00PM
Unless specifically noted, all roles are open to all regardless of race or ethnicity.
- Willie Clark – (male, age 70s) The quick-witted comic half of the famous and beloved Vaudeville comedy duo, Lewis and Clark who has never forgiven his former partner for abruptly retiring and thus, retiring him, lives alone in his cluttered, run-down NYC resident hotel room fantasizing that he still has a viable show business career. He is embittered, cantankerous, confrontational and yet charming and lovable.
- Al Lewis – (male, age 70s) The straight man of the comedy team, after abruptly quitting the act following one of the duo's legendary arguments and then experiencing some health issues, has moved in with his daughter and her family in suburban New Jersey. He has adapted to retired life and is adequately content. Though he moves rather slowly, his mind remains sharp, his sense of timing perfect and his ability to push Willie's buttons as good as ever.
- Ben Silverman – (male, age 30s) Willie's loving and understanding nephew, agent and often, the adult-in-the-room, remains devoted to Willie despite Willie's constant barrage of criticism hurled his way. He is indulgent, clever and genuinely working to restore what used to be a truly brilliant comedy act and even a better friendship.
- Registered Nurse – (female, late 40s or older) She is an experienced, no-nonsense health professional who cares for Willie after he suffers a heart attack who goes about her business unphased by Willie's merciless personal insults and is even able to give him a little of his own medicine.
- Nurse – (female, age 20s - 30s) Plays the classic attractive and sexy (Marilyn Monroe-ish) blonde in the live, televised reprise of Lewis and Clark's most famous vaudeville sketch, The Doctor and The Tax Examination. (WARNING: Very un-PC so you need to be comfortable in a skimpy nurse's outfit).
- Patient – (male, unspecified age) Is, of course, the hapless patient in The Doctor sketch.
- Eddie – (age 20s or 30s) Is onstage the Assistant Director for the rehearsal of The Doctor sketch at CBS studios.
- Director – A voice-over role.
- Announcer – A voice-over role.
Al and Willie as "Lewis and Clark" were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they aren't even speaking. When CBS requests them for a "History of Comedy" retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries, and laughs.
When
- Production Kickoff: Sunday, January 05, 2025, 6:30 pm
-
Audition: Sunday, January 12, 2025
- 6:30pm - Registration [Audition Form]
- 7:00pm - Auditions begin
Where
Script review, auditions, and performances take place at:
Curtain Players Theatre
5691 Harlem Road, Galena, OH 43021
Curtain Players offers an information session for each of its productions as a help for actors seeking roles, but attendance is not required to audition. The event is an opportunity for actors to become acquainted with the community theatre organization, to discuss the play with the director, and to ask questions about the audition process, rehearsal period, and production plans. Those interested in working behind the scenes are also invited to attend.
Curtain Players conducts open auditions for its productions.
Roles are not cast in advance, and, unless specified otherwise in the role's description, are open to all without regard to race or ethnicity.
Casting decisions are made by the director and a casting committee comprised of a member of the theatre board, a general member of the organization, and individuals of the director's choosing.
The production will be cast by a casting committee consisting of the Director, Assistant Director, Producer, Stage Manager and others.
Actors auditioning for all roles will be asked to read from pre-selected cuttings from the script (sides) which will be made available, in advance.
You can obtain these by contacting the director at fuscomj831@gmail.com beginning December 1, 2024.
It would be helpful for the casting committee, but not required, if those who intend to audition for Willie and Al, team up in advance to do some preparation prior to the audition.
Memorization of lines is not necessary but we would love to see your interaction and chemistry with one another.
Requests for an early audition for The Sunshine Boys must be made no later than December 29, 2024.
Questions related to the audition process may be directed to production@curtainplayers.org.
Rehearsals for our productions begin in an offsite location, to be determined for each production. Approximately one month before opening night, rehearsals move into the Harlem Road playhouse.
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