Last week I attended the Center Theatre Group‘s official opening night of Neil Simon‘s classic 1972 play, The Sunshine Boys (first produced on Broadway, then adapted for both film and television). Of course, Mr. Simon is without a doubt one of America’s best playwrights / screenwriters and he’s still kicking at age 86! The play stars two of the most hilarious actors around, Danny DeVito and Judd Hirsch (who starred together in the classic TV series, Taxi). These two were perfect to play the aging vaudevillian team known as “Lewis and Clark.” The play centers on Al Lewis and Willie Clark coming back together for one final performance, but first they have to overcome their issues with each other after having a blow out years prior. The play also stars cutie Justin Bartha as Willie’s nephew Ben, who is the one trying to orchestrate the big reunion against all odds. If you’re a fan of Neil Simon’s work, you simply can’t miss The Sunshine Boys, it’s playing at downtown Los Angeles’ Ahmanson Theatre now through November 3rd. It was such a treat to see such veteran and seasoned comedic actors take on Neil’s words and wit, it really was a super fun night out, you can pick up tickets for yourself here.
The laughter hits the ceiling when Danny DeVito and Judd Hirsch – together for the first time since starring in the landmark television series “Taxi” – tear it up in this outrageous new production of the Neil Simon classic. This U.S. premiere direct from London directed by Olivier Award winner Thea Sharrock stokes the heart and tickles the funny bone in a comedy about show business and the true measure of friendship.
At the pinnacle of Vaudeville, Willie Clark (DeVito) and Al Lewis (Hirsch) were the undisputed Kings of Comedy before splitting unceremoniously. When Clark’s nephew, Ben (Justin Bartha), gets a lucrative television offer for Lewis and Clark to give one last show, the two are lured into a grudging reunion and sparks fly in this classic comedy of showbiz and friendship.
PHOTO | CRAIG SCHWARTZ FOR CTGLA