The Sunshine Boys

by Neil Simon
Directed by Michael Fusco

Production Kickoff: Jun 07, 2026

Audition: Jun 14, 2026

Performance Dates

Sept. 12, 18, 19, 25, & 26, 2026 at 7:30PM
Sept. 13, 20, & 27, 2026 at 2:00PM
There will be no preview performances for this season's productions.

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) Older sister. 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.
    (It's possible that the actor may also play the Nurse in the sketch as well)
  • 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, sexual innuendo and posturing).
    (It's possible that the actor may also play the Registered Nurse as well)
  • 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 – Can be a voice-over or onstage role.
  • Announcer – Can be a voice-over or onstage 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.

Michael Fusco has directed more than 50 plays. This will be his 17th directing project for Curtain Players. In 2023, he received an Excellence in Directing Award at The Ohio Community Theatre Association's State Conference for his work on Curtain Players' production of I'm Not Rappaport. He believes that the best results come from creating a rehearsal environment in which actors are encouraged to discover and explore.

When

  • Production Kickoff: Sun, Jun 07, 2026,
  • Audition: Sun, Jun 14, 2026
    • 6:30 pm - Registration [Audition Form]
    • 7:00 pm - Auditions begin

Where

Production Kickoff, 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 (at minimum) a member of the theatre board, a general member of the organization, and individuals of the director's choosing.

Actors are encouraged to come to auditions familiar with the script and ready to read cuttings from the script. Every effort will be made to give actors equal chances to read. Resumes and head shots are helpful but not necessary.

Requests for an early audition for The Sunshine Boys must be made no later than May 31, 2026.

Questions related to the audition process may be directed to production@curtainplayers.org.


It is my practice to rehearse Mondays through Thursdays only (until the week leading up to opening) - usually from 6:30 pm to 9:00 or 9:30 pm. Regular rehearsals would begin late July, but I will want to schedule two table reads in July prior to that.
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