Al Lewis News

The New Jewish Theatre opens their season with a nicely staged presentation of Neil Simon's lovingly written tribute to the those long gone days of vaudeville, THE SUNSHINE BOYS. As you would expect from such a prolific and gifted writer, the jokes come fast and furious, reflecting the nature of the characters as much as the subject matter, particularly with regards to Willie Clark, and his habit of finding some wry and cynical take on any conversation directed toward him. It's a reflex, and one I totally get, because I often find myself doing the same thing. It's a defense mechanism, I suppose. And, if this seems like I'm getting a little deep, that's because this version of the show has a certain poignancy and emotional affectation that provides the play with additional depth. Perhaps that's due to the fact that the main actors are normally ones you would find doing predominately dramatic works. But, this is proof positive that you can't always judge an actor by their portfolio, because they confound expectations with their superb performances. Go see this wonderfully fresh take on THE SUNSHINE boys, you'll certainly be glad you did.

Neil Simon is the most successful, most popular American writer of stage comedies of the last 55 years-and, quite possibly, of the 239 years since 1776!

The Adobe Theater presents The Sunshine Boys, June 19-July 12.

Commonwealth Theatre Company (CTC), Northern Kentucky University's own professional theatre, opens their 35th Summer Dinner Theatre season with Neil Simon's THE SUNSHINE BOYS, running tonight, June 3-21 in NKU's Stauss Theatre. Neil Simon has staked his claim as America's most prolific and popular dramatist and he certainly has made his mark on the CTC stage. Opening one week from today, THE SUNSHINE BOYS marks CTC's tenth production of a Neil Simon play including audience favorites THE ODD COUPLE, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, and most recently, PLAZA SUITE in 2012.

Commonwealth Theatre Company (CTC), Northern Kentucky University's own professional theatre, opens their 35th Summer Dinner Theatre season with Neil Simon's THE SUNSHINE BOYS, running June 3-21 in NKU's Stauss Theatre. Neil Simon has staked his claim as America's most prolific and popular dramatist and he certainly has made his mark on the CTC stage. Opening one week from today, THE SUNSHINE BOYS marks CTC's tenth production of a Neil Simon play including audience favorites THE ODD COUPLE, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, and most recently, PLAZA SUITE in 2012.

Neil Simon is the most successful, most popular American writer of stage comedies of the last 55 years-and, quite possibly, of the 239 years since 1776!

For 43 years The Sunshine Boys were together. Al Lewis and Willie Clark were the biggest comedy team in Vaudeville. One day Al said "that's it", walked out and Willie never forgave Al for it. They haven't spoken in 11 years. But now CBS wants to reunite The Sunshine Boys, now in their 70?s, for a big comedy special. Can Ben, Willie's nephew and agent, bring the team together or will the old geezers try to settle their old scores with each other.

Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, welcomes the return of Drama Desk Award-winner Jim Brochu in his new show Character Man, following his wildly successful run of Zero Hour in 2011. A musical valentine celebrating the Golden Age of the American Musical, Character Man will be presented at BSC's St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center from tonight, September 18 through 28. The press opening is Saturday, September 20 at 7:30pm.

Barrington Stage Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd and Managing Director Tristan Wilson, announces the return of Drama Desk Award-winner Jim Brochu in his new show Character Man, following his wildly successful run of Zero Hour in 2011. A musical valentine celebrating the Golden Age of the American Musical, Character Man will be presented at BSC's St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center from September 18 through 28. The press opening is Saturday, September 20 at 7:30pm.

More impressive than two good actors doing what they do best, however, is how Ruiz, pictured right with Kline, fits perfectly in to the mix. He has stood out in roles at CT Rep's My Fair Lady, The Music Man and Man of LaMancha as well as in Yale Rep'sAmerican Night, but really shines here. He conveys real affection for his uncle, admiration for Al and somehow manages to be engaging without getting in the way of the veterans.

THE SUNSHINE BOYS by Neil Simon, the second show of its three-show Summer Nutmeg Summer Series at Connecticut Repertory Theatre is onstage tonight, June 19-29 in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theater, Storrs. The Neil Simon penned comedy is led by Broadway and Television veterans Jerry Adler as Willie Clark and Richard Kline as Al Lewis. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces the complete cast for its production of Neil Simon's THE SUNSHINE BOYS, the second show of its three-show Summer Nutmeg Summer Series onstage June 14-29 in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theater, Storrs.

THE SUNSHINE BOYS by Neil Simon, the second show of its three-show Summer Nutmeg Summer Series at Connecticut Repertory Theatre is onstage June 19-29 in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theater, Storrs. The Neil Simon penned comedy is led by Broadway and Television veterans Jerry Adler as Willie Clark and Richard Kline as Al Lewis.

Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) announces the complete cast for its production of Neil Simon's THE SUNSHINE BOYS, the second show of its three-show Summer Nutmeg Summer Series onstage June 14-29 in the Harriet S. Jorgensen Theater, Storrs.

CPCC Theatre will conclude its 2013-2014 season with Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys,' today, April 4 - 13 on the Pease Auditorium stage. Select performances will be held during Sensoria, the college's week-long celebration of the arts.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano, announced the final week of the World Premiere engagement of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street). This limited run will continue through April 6th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. The Final Post-Show Talk will take place on Wednesday, April 2nd with Special Guest Karen Mason (Mamma Mia, Sunset Boulevard, Hairspray), moderated by Peter Filichia.

CPCC Theatre will conclude its 2013-2014 season with Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys,' April 4 - 13 on the Pease Auditorium stage. Select performances will be held during Sensoria, the college's week-long celebration of the arts.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir now at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street), with opening night set for Today March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Urban Stages Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir now at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street), with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan.

Urban Stages Founding Artistic Director Frances Hill and producer Peter Napolitano present the World Premiere of Character Man as part of its 30th Anniversary season. Jim Brochu's new musical memoir begins an Off-Broadway run at Urban Stages Theatre (259 West 30th Street) tonight, February 28th, with opening night set for Wednesday March 5th. This limited run will continue through March 30th only. Robert Bartley directs, with musical direction by Carl Haan. Character Man will have scenic & video design by Patrick Brennan, lighting design by Meghan Santelli and sound design by Sean Hagerty.