Veteran Cast to Lead THE SUNSHINE BOYS at The Sauk

A veteran cast will bring Neil Simon's classic "The Sunshine Boys" to life at The Sauk, Hillsdale County's Community Theatre, through October 22.

Al Lewis and Willie Clark as "The Sunshine Boys" were top-billed vaudevillians for over 40 years. Now, they aren't even speaking. When CBS requests them for a comedy retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memory, misery and laughter.

The Sauk cast is led by Ron Boyle as Willie Clark, Bud Vear as Al Lewis and Trinity Bird as Ben Silverman. The cast also includes Traci Jo Hubbard, Chris Dube, Mike Sutton and Travis Blatchley. Local radio personality Bob Flynn lends his voice as the television director.

Boyle has been involved at The Sauk for over 20 years as an actor and director. His most memorable performances are as Man in Chair in "The Drowsy Chaperone," Ranger Tom in "Escanaba in Da Moonlight" and one half of the town in "Greater Tuna." Vear, age 91, has been involved with The Sauk since 1971. Last year, he was honored with the Robert E. Gard Award from the American Association of Community Theatre for over 25-years of volunteer service. Vear is best remembered for his performances as Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" and more recently Norman in "On Golden Pond." Bird is the executive director at The Sauk.

"This production was chosen just for Ron and Bud," Bird said. "This is a very special production of a very special play. It has been a magical rehearsal period and we are very excited to share this show with our audience."

Mary Jean Dulmage directs the production with stage management by Michele Harmon. The design team includes David Griffiths (sets), Kristin Hood (lighting), Hubbard and Sue Reed (costumes), Dulmage (sound) and Blatchley (properties). Kathi Boyle is producer.

Performances are October 13, 14, 19-21 at 8 p.m. and October 15 and 22 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students and $8 for children (12 and under). Tickets can be purchased by calling 517-849-9100 or visiting www.thesauk.org. The Sauk Theatre is located at 240 E. Chicago in Jonesville.