Review: THE SUNSHINE BOYS is Sparkling Simon Done Right

THE SUNSHINE BOYS is a 1972 Tony Award nominated play by Neil Simon that ran for 538 performances on Broadway. It was turned into a feature film in 1975 and a TV movie in 1996. THE SUNSHINE BOYS is the story of two old vaudeville stars, Lewis & Clark, whose iconic act ended when Al Lewis walked away after 43 years of animosity and retired leaving Willie to try to make it as a solo act. When Willie didn't succeed, the duo never spoke again. When his nephew Ben, a talent agent, tries to resurrect the act for a TV special, the big question is whether they can put aside their differences long enough to make one final appearance.

Time has not been kind to most of Neil Simon's body of work. Most of his plays are terribly dated and require a deft hand that not only understands the unique rhythms inherent to his writing but also, the fact that for them to work for a modern audience, they have to be approached as period pieces. Luckily for Wimberley Playhouse, just such a director is at the helm of this production. Milton Zoth has created a work of great subtlety with THE SUNSHINE BOYS. He has wisely chosen to focus on the relationships here and that is what makes this production sparkle. It's refreshing to see someone who understands the uniqueness of Simon and who knows how to pull out the kid gloves necessary to make his plays work today. While I do wish that the vaudeville sections had been a little bigger and broader, it is a minor complaint when the rest of the show is so lovingly handled.

Scott Wade's set design is excellent and period perfect, except for the curiously unpainted black upstage wall which gave an unfinished look to the main set. I presumed it was left that way in aid of the later locales but it never gave a logical reason for it being left that way. Kudos must also be given to Costume Designer Deborah Wilson for her wonderfully executed period costumes, most evident in the suits worn by the nephew. I also want to give credit to the scenic artist Carroll Dolezal and the props done by Karen Rudy, Pennye Graves and Cara Mosier which lent an authentic air to the proceedings. Some beautiful period antiques grace the set and add greatly to the atmosphere. Bill Peeler's lighting design works perfectly for this production.

While the tech here is superb, the acting is the true jem in this crowning achievement. David Bisett, as Willie Clark, and Frank Follis, as Al Lewis, have a palpable chemistry that pays off in spades. Their banter has an ease and fluidity that makes their decades old bickering completely believable. It's clear that Zoth has directed these two with an emphasis on their relationship to each other. They also both clearly understand the unique rhythms of Simon and make it all seem natural, avoiding the setup and punchline structure inherent to his plays. Rob Huey is great as Ben Silverman, the Jewish ball of nerves nephew. His interactions with both men are nicely natural while maintaining the energy of a man who could have a nervous breakdown at any moment. Nina Bryant makes the most out of the Registered Nurse, and delivers a fully fleshed out character that you want to know more about. Katie Alice Scott is a delight as the Sketch Nurse, a perfect recreation of an iconic vaudeville staple.

This production of THE SUNSHINE BOYS feels fresh and new, and by focusing on the relationships rather than going hard for Simon's trademark sitcom style laughs, this becomes a sweet and touching look at these aging entertainers. There is a nice depth and warmth underlying this production that proves, when handled correctly, Neil Simon can be made to feel like something from today rather than a relic of days gone by. This production bridges the chasm between Simon and contemporary theatre just as interestingly as Simon originally bridged the chasm between vaudeville and the seventies.

THE SUNSHINE BOYS by Neil Simon
Running Time: Approximately Two Hours including intermission.

THE SUNSHINE BOYS, produced by Karen Rudy and Adam Witko for the Wimberley Players at Wimberley Playhouse (450 Old Kyle Road, Wimberley, TX, 78676)

Performances: Fridays-Sundays, April 13th - May 6th, 2018
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Reserved Seating $22; Students $18 with ID. (Ticket prices include all fees.)
Tickets are available online at www.wimberleyplayers.org or by calling 512-847-0575.

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