Overview
Synopsis
The Sunshine Boys is a classic comedy play written by Neil Simon. It premiered on Broadway in 1972 and was later adapted into a successful film in 1975 starring Walter Matthau and George Burns. The play revolves around the relationship between two aging comedians who were once a famous comedy duo known as "The Sunshine Boys".
The story follows Willie Clark and Al Lewis, who were once a highly successful vaudeville comedy team. However, after over 40 years of performing together, their partnership ended acrimoniously. Some dozen years later, a young theatrical agent, who is also Willie's nephew, tries to bring the two older men together for a comedy TV special. Despite their animosity towards each other, they reluctantly agree to reunite for one last performance.
The humor in the play stems from the contrasting personalities of the two characters. Willie Clark is cantankerous, irritable, and resistant to change, while Al Lewis is more easygoing and resigned to their past. Their rehearsals as the re-stage their classic comedy sketch are fraught with tension and bickering, leading to hilarious situations as they struggle to recapture their former chemistry.
The Sunshine Boys explores themes of friendship, aging, and the passage of time. It offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships and the challenges of reconciling the past with the present. Despite the comedic tone, the play also touches on deeper emotions and the inevitable changes that come with growing old.
Show Information
- Book
- Neil Simon
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1972
- Genres
- Comedy
- Settings
- Multiple Settings, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- 1970's, Willie's Apartment, A TV studio
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Mature Adult, Elderly, Young Adult, Adult Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Male |
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Lead |
Male |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Female |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Male |
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Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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