'Sunshine Boys' opens at Gold Hill

The Gold Hill Theater Troupe is taking on a venerable Neil Simon work as its spring production, and they plan to keep the audience laughing from beginning to end.

Richard McGregor plays Willie Clark, an aging vaudeville star whose partner, Al Lewis - yep, they once performed as "Lewis & Clark" - retired and left Willie in the lurch, something Willie never forgave him for.

Bob Clerico plays Al Lewis, and the one-time star duo who, according to the storyline, worked together for 40-plus years until Al's retirement broke up the act. Clark resented Lewis for his retirement, as he was not yet ready to take his last bow.

McGregor turns in a performance as the irascible Willie, completely maddening to his nephew, Ben, played by Dan Morgan, who is trying hard to get him some work.

Offered a chance to star in a commercial, his near dementia, forgetfulness and over exaggerated view of his own stardom cause him to be rejected.

Finally, Ben finds the perfect spot - do a bit with his old partner, Lewis, whom he now hates, and even seems to fear. Ben wants his uncle to revive a popular skit for a TV show, which leads to many laughs as the hapless Ben tries to get the feuding funnymen together one last time.

Dorothy "Duffie" Gillespie plays three roles Ð as Lewis' doting daughter, Nursie in the skit and the nurse, who takes no guff from Willie Clark.

Bill Fain, producer of the Gold Hill Theater Troupe, said the movie is not as good as the play.

"They added a lot of movement to it, being in cars and interacting with other people," he said. "Too muddy, I think."

• Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or 881-7351.

If You Go

WHAT: The Sunshine Boys

WHERE: The Gold Hill Hotel, 1540 Main St., Gold Hill

WHEN: 8 p.m.; dinner from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays through June 4

COST: $28 dinner and show; $10 show only

CALL: 847-0111