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caption:
Sunshine Boys
The Bradley Playhouse will present “The Sunshine Boys” starting May 4. At rehearsal are, left to right: David Hopcroft (Willie Clark), Branden Grant (Ben), Ernest White (Al Lewis). Courtesy photo.
'Sunshine Boys'
coming May 4
to Bradley
PUTNAM — Once again vaudeville takes the stage at the historic Bradley Playhouse when the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut presents the memories, miseries and laughs of Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 and at 2 p.m. May 6, 13 and 20. Tickets are $17 for adults and $14 for seniors and students. Reservations may be made with a major credit card online at www.the bradleyplayhouse.org or by calling 928-7887; or at Wonderland Books and Victoria Station Café, at the door at the theater on Front Street. Patrons are encouraged to make reservations.
The Sunshine Boys introduces us to “Lewis and Clark”, a comedy team from the golden age of vaudeville. Lewis retired years before, but Clark is still trying to pick up bit parts and commercials with the help of his agent nephew. The men grew to hate each other and haven’t spoken since their act broke up. Clark’s nephew convinces them to reunite for a TV special on the history of comedy and chaos results as they attempt to recreate their most famous comedy routine.
The director is Nicholas Magrey , who is assisted by Paul Neuhardt. The Sunshine Boys are played by David S. Hopcroft as Willie Clark and Ernest White as Al Lewis. Branden Grant appears as Clark’s long suffering nephew Ben. Mary Dolan is the nurse, Sarri Patterson plays the registered nurse, Craig Mortensen is Eddie and the part of the patient is played by Mike Gallo.
The Bradley Playhouse was completed by Ransom Bradley in 1901 and was a showplace for vaudeville, national touring companies fresh from Broadway and silent films complete with piano accompaniment. “Talkies” were first presented in 1928. Movies continued to be shown at the theater until 1984 when the Northeast Repertory Theatre brought live theater back to the Bradley. The current theater group incorporated in 1991 as the Theatre of Northeastern Connecticut and continues to bring live entertainment to the “Quiet Corner”.