Neil Simon fans won't want to miss the Lyceum Theatre production of "The Sunshine Boys," which ends its run Wednesday, Aug. 1.

But anyone who enjoys a good one-liners and the reliable humor of Simon's pen will find the show delightful.

"The Sunshine Boys" is reminiscent of Simon's "The Odd Couple," if Felix and Oscar were much older and much more alike.

The main characters are estranged Vaudeville actors, Willie Clark and Al Lewis, who just spent too many years working together and apparently wore out their friendship.

Although they aren't as diametrically different as Felix and Oscar, Lewis and Clark also provide laughs through the clashing of two stubborn characters.

Joneal Joplin, as Willie Clark, dominates the show with his shuffling but crotchety portrayal of a comedian who's sour disposition is a result of forced retirement which he blames on his old partner.

Whit Reichert, a Lyceum regular this season and last, gives a terrific performance as the more subdued but still stubborn Lewis, an interesting contrast to his hilariously hammy performance in "Sugar," the Lyceum's previous show.

And Lyceum Artistic Director Quin Gresham, who played Felix Unger in last year's performance of "Felix and Oscar" echoes the frantic Felix in his portrayal of Ben Clark, Willie's over-stressed nephew.

Although the banter between the characters is the defining characteristic of the play, there are moments of physical humor, too, and they got some of the loudest laughs during the opening matinee Saturday, July 21.

My favorite bit was when Willie and Al try to construct a set for rehearsal from the furniture in Willie's apartment, each obliviously undoing the other's work.

Contact Eric Crump at

marshalleditor@socket.net