AUDITIONS THIS WEEKEND
Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Directed by Tom Arwady Produced by Kevin Fitzhenry
Audition Dates: Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Show Dates: November 6, 10-13, 17-19, 2016
Auditions will take place at Grosse Pointe Theatre’s
Rehearsal Studio:
315 Fisher Rd. Grosse Pointe, MI 8230
Phone: 313-881-4004 Website: www.gpt.org Auditions will consist of cold readings from the play; cuts are available prior to the audition dates at 315 Fisher Road. For additional information, please contact director Tom Arwady at tomarwady@yahoo.com. Synopsis: The Sunshine Boys is one of Neil Simon’s most popular plays. It’s the story of Willie and Al, two elderly vaudevillians who were the top-billed comedy duo “Lewis and Clark” for over forty years, but had a bitter break-up several years ago and haven’t spoken since. When Willie’s nephew, who’s also his agent, is contacted by CBS to get them to appear on a TV retrospective, the grudging reunion brings a flood of memories, resentments, and lots of laughs!
Character descriptions below:
Character Descriptions: (ages are of the characters, not necessarily the actors)
Willie Clark (Lead Male, age 65-75): Willie is a temperamental, bitter, old man who’s still trying to stay relevant in show business. He is self-absorbed and forgetful, but hasn’t lost his comedic skills. Willie shows no signs of sentimentality or empathy, yet there’s something wholly endearing about him.
Al Lewis (Lead Male, age 65-75): Willie’s former vaudeville partner. He is more level-headed and calm than Willie, but has his own idiosyncrasies and can “dish it out” when provoked. He has accepted the limitations of old age and truly enjoys retirement. However, he misses his old partner and the good times they shared.
Ben Silverman (Support Male, age 30-45): Willie’s nephew and agent. Ben cares very much for his uncle and really looks up to him. He tries to find work for Willie, but Willie’s age and personality make this a very difficult task. Ben is a practical, hardworking family man who didn’t really inherit any of his uncle’s sense of comedy.
Registered Nurse (Supporting Female, age 45-60): A mature, African-American woman who is nurturing, but doesn’t suffer fools. She enjoys her time caring for Willie, despite his grouchiness and prejudices. She seems to be the only person who breaks through his crusty exterior.
Eddie (Featured Male, age 25-35): A young, harried production assistant for the TV special. Everything rolls down onto Eddie’s shoulders. He’s carrying a great weight trying to get this show ready for broadcast.
Nurse in Vaudeville Sketch (Featured Female, age 25-35): An actress playing a character in Willie and Al’s “doctor” routine. This character’s purpose is to be the object of lewd sexual jokes. She should be tall, blonde, and curvy (but that can be helped by our creative hair and costume crews!).
Patient in Vaudeville Sketch (Non-Featured Male, age 21-75): An actor playing the role of a patient for the TV broadcast. Could come across as a hypochondriac for comedic effect.
Voice of the TV Director (Offstage Non-Featured Male, age 35-75): The exasperated director of the TV special. He is on a microphone, bellowing orders at Eddie, while also trying to reason with Willie and Al. Ideally we’re looking to cast an actor willing to be offstage and do the dialogue live.
