THE SUNSHINE BOYS
Directed by: Sue Hasey / Assistant Director: Robert Walker
AUDITION DATE: 14 September 2021
Performance Dates: 12th to 27th November 2021
ALL AUDITIONS ARE IN AN OPEN FORMAT PLEASE ARRIVE AT 7:15PM FOR A 7:30 START
Al Lewis and Willy Clark were once a popular vaudeville comedy team called Lewis and Clark, also known as The Sunshine Boys.
After forty-three years as a team, they parted company over eleven years prior on not too friendly terms, as Willy wanted to continue his career, whereas Al wanted to retire. They have not spoken since.
Willy's nephew, Ben, a talent agent, has been trying to find acting jobs for his uncle since with little success, as Willy's age and declining ability is showing. But a lucrative opportunity comes up when one of the major networks is producing and airing a special on the history of comedy, and want The Sunshine Boys to appear.
Ben has to try and convince the comedy team to reunite for just this one gig. Ben has to try and manage the individual quirks and personalities of each of The Sunshine Boys while putting on a good face to the network that there is harmony within The Sunshine Boys comedy team. Ben also has to manage the lives of two men in the twilight of their lives.
CAST OF CHARACTERS (stage ages are open to interpretation)
Willie Clark - Male: 65-85
Willie is one-half of the great vaudeville comedy team of Lewis & Clark; Willie is a bitter, sarcastic old man, but he hasn’t lost his comedic knack; he’s always dead-on with punch lines and timing; he appears self absorbed and wrapped up in his own life, and doesn’t show any signs of sentimentality or empathy, yet there’s something wholly endearing about him.
Al Lewis - Male: 65-85
Al is the other half of Lewis & Clark; Al is the more timid straight man to Willie’s explosive temperament, yet he can dish it out on an equal level; he accepts the limitations of old age and has learned to enjoy his golden years; however, it’s obvious he misses his old partner and the good times they shared.
Ben Silverman - Male 21-30: Willie’s nephew and agent; Ben cares very much for his uncle and really looks up to him; he tries to find work for Willie, but Willie’s age and personality make this a very difficult task; a practical, hardworking family man, Ben really didn’t inherit any of his uncle’s sense of comedy.
Eddie - Male: 21-30
a young production assistant; everything rolls down onto Eddie’s shoulders, and he’s carrying a great weight trying to get this production ready for broadcast.
Patient - Male: 30-50
An actor playing the role of a patient for the TV broadcast; overacting a bit, he often comes across as a hypochondriac.
Burlesque Nurse - Female: 20-45
Another character for the TV show; this character’s purpose is to be the object of lewd sexual jokes; she should be blonde and curvy.
Registered Nurse - Female: 35-55