Edward Foskey (Al Lewis), left, swaps insults with Carlton Thomas (Willie Clark) as the two banter about whether or not to resurrect their famous “Lewis and Clark” comedy team
photo by The Ringgold Playhouse
‘The Sunshine Boys’ is directed by local funny man Levi Witt
photo by The Ringgold Playhouse
Performances of TRP’s production of Neil Simon’s ‘The Sunshine Boys’ will take place June 1-3 at 7:30 p.m. and June 3-4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St. in downtown Ringgold
photo by The Ringgold Playhouse
The Ringgold Playhouse will open its production of Neil Simon’s comedy ‘The Sunshine Boys’ for a five-performance, one-weekend run beginning Thursday night at the historic Ringgold Depot.
Now in its 10th season, TRP is excited to bring this classic comedy about an over-the-hill comedy team getting back together after years of estrangement to the Depot stage.
“It’s a great show,” said TRP Executive Director Adam Cook. “Audiences love Neil Simon comedies, so we’re happy to offer this production as our third show of our 2023 Season.
The show is directed by TRP veteran and Dalton native Levi Witt, who has shifted his comedic talent from being on stage to the director’s chair.
Mr. Witt won TRP’s Best Actor Award last season for his side-splitting performance as Max Bennett in ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’.
“This show is a tribute to vaudeville and to all the great American comedy duos,” Mr. Witt said. “It’s just such a great show.”
Play synopsis:
In the ‘The Sunshine Boys,’ Al and Willie, known professionally as ‘Lewis and Clark’, were top-billed vaudevillians for over 40 years. Now, it has been over 12 years since they’ve even spoken. When a television network requests them for a ‘History of Comedy’ retrospective show, a grudging reunion brings the two back together to remaster their most celebrated sketch, along with a flood of memories, miseries, and laughs. Can these two comedy legends possibly work out their issues in time for their return to the public eye?
The production features Carlton Thomas (Willie) and Edward Foskey (Al) as the longtime tandem who tries to put their petty differences aside in order to give the world a final performance of their most beloved sketch.
In addition to Mr. Thomas and Mr. Foskey, the cast also includes Jonathan Harrell (Ben Silverman), Ramses McKinstry (Eddie), Chuck Belcher (Patient), Laurie Shaw (TV Nurse) and Renee Lierow (Registered Nurse). In off stage roles, the show features voice over work from local actor and DJ Greg Rambin, as well as Mr. Witt himself.
“This cast has been a pleasure to work with, and I couldn’t be more excited to get this group in front of an audience,” Mr. Witt said. “Get your tickets, folks. You won’t regret it.”
Tickets for the production are $10 general admission and $8 for seniors and students. Tickets are available at the door or online at Eventbrite.com.
Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. All performances will be held at the historic Ringgold Depot at 155 Depot St.