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The Sunshine Boys opens at the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport

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Long Island Performing Arts Examiner

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport will present the Neil Simon comedy, The Sunshine Boys, with previews starting Thursday, February 2 and the official opening on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 8:00 p.m. 

This laugh-out-loud comedy follows two faded vaudeville legends, Lewis and Clark, as they reunite to perform their old act one last time. The only problem is they can't stand each other. Will these two crotchety comedians get over the issues that had ruined their partnership before the big show?  This nostalgic comedy by Neil Simon is packed with the slapstick comedy sketches that embody the golden days of vaudeville.
 
The original Broadway production was directed by Alan Arkin and starred Jack Albertson and Sam Levene. In 1975, a successful film was made starring George Burns and Walter Matthau. (continued below)
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The John W. Engeman production of The Sunshine Boys is produced by Richard T. Dolce, the theater's Producing Artistic Director. BT McNicholl, the Director, won the 2003 Australian "Tony" Award (the Helpmann) for his direction of Cabaret, after having been the Associate Director of the Broadway production; he went on to stage record-setting runs of the musical in Paris and Madrid.
 
Cast includes:
  • Lewis J. Stadlen as Willie Clark.  He created the role of Ben Silverman in the original 1973 production of The Sunshine Boys starring Jack Albertson and Sam Levene.  He appeared on Broadway last season in The People in the Picture.  He has performed 761 times as Max Bialystock in The Producers,on Broadway and in the national tour.  Lewis made his Broadway debut as Groucho Marx in Minnie's Boys, for which he won the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Awards.
  • Chip Zien as Al Lewis. Zien created the roles of the Baker in Sondheim/Lapine's award-winning Into the Woods (L.A. Drama-Logue Award, Outer Critics nomination) and Mendel in William Finn's highly acclaimed Falsettos.   
The Sunshine Boys will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.; Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m.  In addition, there will be a special matinee on: Wednesday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m. The show runs through March 25.
 
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $50 by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting the online box office, or stopping by the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport.

The John W. Engeman Theater in Northport is Long Island's only year-round professional theater company, casting their actors from the Broadway talent pool. The renovated Theater offers stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, a full orchestra pit, and a classic wood-paneled piano lounge with full bar.  For a complete show schedule and more information contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport or visit www.EngemanTheater.com.

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Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys' opens at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport in February.
Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys' opens at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport in February.
Photo credit: 
John W. Engeman Theater

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Pat Ryder provides coverage of LI's vibrant arts and entertainment scene, including locales easily accessible to Long Islanders: whether by car, rail or ferry. Contact Pat at LIBuzz@live.com to suggest coverage or a review of your own event or venue.

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