“The Sunshine Boys” at 2nd Story Theater

By Richard Pacheco

            Neil Simon’s Broadway hit and hit movie “The Sunshine Boys” is brought vividly to life with a terrific cast and direction at 2^nd Story Theatre in Warren. It is packed with typical Neil Simon humor and propelled by the terrific paring of Bob Colonna and F. William Oakes as the former vaudevillians teaming up for a big network television show on CBS as a tribute to legends of comedy like themselves.

            During their 43-year career as a team, Lewis (Oakes) and Clark (Colonna) there was a seething animosity growing until they called it quits as a team about 12 or 13 years prior to the reunion. They have not spoken since. This reunion is not all hearts and flowers as those hidden anger and disappointments surge to the surface. Oakes and Colonna are perfect as the team struggling to get back in step with their old act. It is Willie’s nephew, Ben (Nicholas Thibeault) who is also his agent who brings it all together.

            Bob Colonna is a delight as the feisty, somewhat crank and determined Willie. He harbors years of unexpressed resentments that finally surge to the surface. For a long time he has not worked  and the question is will he let those past hurts get in the way or just go along with it to be back on top again. Colonna is a sheer delight with impeccable comic timing and a wizened humor that is always on target. He handles the one liners with zest and perfection.

            F. William Oakes is his longtime partner and many times nemesis, the man who ends up spitting in his partner’s face with  words that engender spit and is always close up when he does it. He is also the man who pokes Willie when close to him trying to make a point. It drives Willie crazy. He is also the man cares deeply about Willie and what they accomplished and misses it and would love to revive it. Oakes is the perfect foil for Colonna. He is impeccable as the somewhat fussy and proper Al.

            Oakes and Colonna are a sheer delight together. Always right on the mark in this winning comedy. The laser target the jokes and tired routines and bring them vividly to life with comic dexterity and aplomb.

            There is strong support here too like from Nicholas Thibeault as Willie’s nephew Ben, Thibeualt is pitch perfect as Ben who looks up to his uncle and usually gives in to his whims like bringing him forbidden cigars when he brings the copy of Variety. He holds his uncle in high regards even thought the old man drives him crazy with his quirks and demands. Lauren Ustaszewski as the voluptuous nurse in their skit is hilarious, making the most of very opportunity the play it up right.

            Some of the funniest moments occur when Willie and Al meet again after so many years. The rapport between the two is evident as well as flare ups with it the old animosities for even more laughs. He jokes come fast and furious and right on target.

Ed Shea directs with a perfect touch. He has a talented cast and heads them off in the right direction with just the right touches.

The scenic and lighting design by Max Ponticelli is right on the mark.

This is a fun summer caper, sure to please with impeccable performances and laughs galore. Enjoy it and you will.

“The Sunshine Boys" runs through Aug. 28 at 2nd Story Theatre, 28 Market St., Warren. Tickets are $30, $21 for those 21 and under. Call (401) 247-4200, or visit 2ndstorytheatre.com.

“Avenue Q” at Ocean State Theatre

By Richard Pacheco

            “Avenue Q” at Ocean State Theatre is a real gem, loaded with sass, ribald energy and a terrific cast. Imagine Sesame Street on horny, raunchy steroids and you’ve got it. It is funny and irreverent as it tackles looking for your purpose in life. This is the musical that swiped the Tony from “Wicked” in 2003 and you can see why. It’s all done with puppets and a talented cast of adults in the obscure wilds of New York city.

            It circles around Princeton a recent graduate with a BA in English who finds himself embroiled in too many bills, ending up jobless before he even starts work and his wannabe romance with Kate Monster a real sweetie who want to start a school for monsters. Of course Princeton is trying to escape the clutches of Lucy the Slut and the Bad Idea Bears always ready to lead them into temptation and beyond with no resistance whatsoever.

The songs are outrageous and fun and tackled a variety of issues with a smart and rambunctious attitude that is endearing in the midst of its bawdy verve and full of truth in the middle of it all.

Tommy Labonaris is a delight as Princeton the novice gradate with and English degree and also as Rod, a conservative Republican who finally realizes he is gay. He has a terrific voice and shines in his songs. With the company he is terrific in “What Do You Do with a BA in English.” The same with the insightful and funny “Purpose” His duet with Kate Monster “A Mix Tape” is pure fun as it delves into the mixed feelings of a budding romance. As Rod he is equally impressive with songs like “My Girlfriend, Who Lives in Canada”

Rochelle Weinrauch is on hand for both of his loves, the sweet, kind Kate Monster and the sultry tramp and vamp Lucy the Slut. She has a wonderful singing voice full of power and sensitivity. Her duet with Princeton is a enchanting, full of conflicting emotions and sincerity. As Lucy she is an equal delight, at once sultry, sexy and sluttish. She shows it  all off to its best with “Special.”

Then there is the wonderful Lovely Hoffman as Gary Coleman, yes, that Gary Coleman who is the superintendent of the building. She is  wining in her duet with Nicky, “Schadenfreunde.”

The rest of the cast is just as winning and fun, the amusing mix of outrageous and very human and down to earth in the mist of their trials and tribulations.

Jason Parrish directs it all with deft energy and ability.

Tyler Perry’s set is a successful mimicry of Sesame Street for adults. Justin P. Cowan’s musical direction is full of spunk and irreverence sparked by some fabulous voices.

Choreographer MK Lawson keeps it all spirited and full of fun.

You really don’t want to miss this one for a rollicking good time at once ribald and impertinent.

“Avenue Q" runs through Aug. 21 at Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick. Tickets are $39-$59. Call (401) 921-6800, or visit oceanstatetheatre.org..