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 2nd 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.
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