"The Sunshine Boys" Program

 

The Community Players of Salisbury

 

President’s Message

 

Good evening and welcome to the third production of our 65th season!

This is my first task as the new president of Community Players—in fact, since our election isn’t until after this program is put together, it’s real planning ahead.  It is my pleasure to greet you and invite you to enjoy this Neil Simon play with us.  Please take a moment to look through our program and take note of the merchants who support us.  We hope that you will support them when you need services that they can provide.  We hope to see you next year with our new season of plays.

                                                                                                Carol Alex

 

Officers

President........................................................................................................................... Carol Alex

Vice-President................................................................................................................Don Atkinson

Corresponding Secretary............................................................................................. Becky Mumford

Recording Secretary.................................................................................................. Ernest Matthews

Treasurer...................................................................................................................... Charles Linton

Immediate Past President............................................................................................. Rusty Mumford

Board of Directors

Jana Davis          Debbie Dawson     Lester Huss

Joanne Little    Sherri Trader-Hynes     Kristi Toadvine

Standing Committees

Advertising......................................................................................................................... David Allen

Box Office............................................................................................................................ John Alex

Concessions.................................................................................................................... Brenda Allen

Fund Raising................................................................................................................ Rusty Mumford

Historical....................................................................................................................... Bonnie Bosies

Hospitality.................................................................................................................... Debbie Dawson

House................................................................................................................................. Carol Alex

Maintenance..................................................................................................................... Lester Huss

Membership..................................................................................................................... Brenda Allen

Patrons..................................................................................................................... Ernest Matthews

Program....................................................................................................... David and Pat Oberholtzer

Production........................................................................................................................... Carol Alex

Publicity........................................................................................................................ Kristi Toadvine

Scholarship.................................................................................................................. Rusty Mumford

Season Tickets........................................................................................................... Ernest Matthews

 

 

195thProduction                                                                                         65th Year

 

Community Players of Salisbury, Inc.

 

 

Presents

 

 

 

Directed by

Ken Johnson

 

 

Guerrieri Hall Auditorium at Wor-Wic Community College

June 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, 2003 at 8:00 p.m.

June 15 and 22, 2003 at 2:00 p.m.

 

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

 

This production was made possible, in part, by a grant from the Salisbury Wicomico Arts

Council, awarded by the Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES

 

Act I

 

Scene 1:  A two-room apartment in an old hotel on upper Broadway, N.Y., N. Y. 

 It is early afternoon, midwinter

 

Scene 2:  The apartment.  The following Monday, a few minutes before 11:00.

 

15-Minute Intermission

You’re invited to visit the refreshment stand in the lobby during intermission.

 

Act II

 

Scene 1:  A doctor’s office set in a television studio,

 

Scene 2:  The apartment.  Two weeks later.

 

Please do not take flash photographs during our performance

and turn off all cell phones and pagers.

 

CAST

(In order of appearance)

 

Willie Clark...................................................... Don Atkinson

Ben Silverman.............................................. Rusty Mumford

Al Lewis............................................................ Richard Bird

Eddie............................................................. Joe Prettyman

Phil, the Director.................................................... Matt Ripa

Patient................................................................. Alan Perry

Nurse......................................................... Priscilla Magalee

Regular Nurse................................................... Geri Wiberg

 

PRODUCTION STAFF

 

Director............................................................................................................. Ken Johnson

Producer....................................................................... Becky Mumford and Sherri Hynes

Stage Manager.................................................................................................... Alan Perry

Set Designer............................................................................................... Ernie Matthews

Lighting Design....................................................................................... Sharon Benchoff

Sound............................................................................................................. Joe Benamati

Props Coordinator........................................................................................ Joanne Little

Costumes........................................................................ Becky Mumford and Carol Alex

Make-up....................................................................................................... Rusty Mumford

Set Design.................................................................................................. Ernie Matthews

Set Construction........................................... Ernie Matthews, David Allen, Jack Myers,

                                                                          Alan Perry, Terri Thornton and Mary Veise

Set Decorating................................................................................................... Carol Alex

Publicity...................................................................................................... Susan Likovich

Poster and Cover.............................................................................................. Scott Alex

Program..................................... David & Pat Oberholtzer and Di’s Laser Express, Inc.

 

WHO’S WHO

 

Ken Johnson (Director) Although Ken is making his directorial debut with Community Players of Salisbury; he is certainly no stranger to the world of local theatre, having been involved in over 50 productions with groups such as Masque Dinner Theatre, Salisbury University Theatre, Newtowne Theatre, and the Community Players of Salisbury.  His back stage involvement ranges from technical director for Deathtrap, lighting design and implementation for The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Little Shop of Horrors, The Music Man, Bye, Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz, and Cinderella for the Community Players.  In addition he served as a board member and corresponding secretary for Players for many years.  But most people would recognize Ken from his numerous lead and supporting stage roles.  He began his acting career at the age of 15 in the Masque Dinner Theatre production of Guys and Dolls and soon became a major player in the group with roles in Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and The King and I.  From there his acting career continued to grow with supporting roles in Twelve Angry Men, Run For Your Wife, Lend Me a Tenor, and Dial M. for Murder, as well as lead roles in Philadelphia Story, Noises Off, The Nerd, Love, Sex and the IRS, and Lie, Cheat and Genuflect.  However, his talents are not limited to simply acting, not unlike his favorite artist Dick Van Dyke, he is also well known for his comic timing and uncanny ability for physical comedy having fallen down more times than any other actor on stage in a Player’s production. But if that weren’t enough, he is probably best known for his singing and dancing roles, including the musical lead roles of Albert Peterson in Bye, Bye Birdie, Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Cornelius Hackle in Hello Dolly, Charlie Brown in two different productions of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, John the Baptist/Judas in Godspell and was most recently seen reprising his role from seventeen years ago as the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz.  Ken also lends his lighting designs, talents, and abilities to the Eastern Shore Ballet and The Peninsulaires Barbershopers.  When he is not on stage or backstage, he can sometimes be found coaching for Wicomico County Little League Baseball.

 

Don Atkinson (Willie Clark) As a performer with CPOS, my first experience with Neil Simon was as the father in Come Blow Your Horn, directed by Rusty Mumford (my nephew in the play).  Next came the father of the bride in Plaza Suite.  Now I’m in my third Simon play as Willie Clark, the retired vaudevillian.  Willie is a “nice older gentleman” that is, if your definition of that term brings to mind Attila the Hun.  This play is full of wonderful one-liners and running bits of mayhem- so pay attention!  I think you will find it extremely funny.  I hope that you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed the rehearsals.  This is Mr. Kenneth of Salisbury first time at bat as director.  I miss not having him as one of my fellow actors, whose job it was to torment the director at all opportunities.  As the director, he has inspired me to new and greater heights with pearls of wisdom such as “Does that make sense?” and “At this present time.”  Seriously  - Thanks Kenny –Let’s do it again!

 

Richard Bird (Al Lewis) A neurologist by day.  For the Community Players, Richard was seen in the ensemble of Hello Dolly.  He was also Zeke and in the ensemble in Wizard of Oz.  He was a sailor in South Pacific.  And in last season’s My Three Angels he played Felix Ducotel.

 

Rusty Mumford (Ben Silverman) Rusty has been a member of Community Players for more than sixteen years and has served in many capacities: actor/singer/dancer, producer, make-up chair, assistant director, director, board member, corresponding secretary, vice president, and is currently our president for the third time.  He has been involved in every production either on stage or off stage during his membership.  Rusty has been seen on Player’s stage in several roles, including Thomas Rogers in Ten Little Indians, Tito in Lend Me A Tenor, David Kahn in Social Security, Joseph in My Three Angels, Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz Charles Dickens/Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, and the Holly community productions of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Godspell among others.

Thanks to family and friends for all of their support and encouragement, especially Becky, without whom none of this would be possible and Joanne, prop lady and friend extraordinaire!

 

Alan Perry (Patient) Alan is making his stage debut for Community Players, but has been actively involved backstage for several years.  He has assisted with set construction for the past three seasons and was most recently the Stage Manager for The Wizard of Oz and Lie, Cheat and Genuflect.  We hope to see “more” of him.

 

Joe Prettyman (Eddie)– Joe was last seen in last season’s My Three Angels as Alfred.  Prior to that, he was seen in Dial M. For Murder as Thompson and he has worked backstage in Hello Dolly.  I would like to thank my family, Cinda, Brad, and Amber for their patience during production, at this busy time in our lives, and to my dad who introduced me the theatre.

 

Matt Ripa (Phil, the director)– Matt is a double major in Theatre and History at Salisbury University.  This is his first show with the Community Players.  Some of his favorite roles have been Gaston in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Livingston Morris in 1776, and Rosencrantz in Hamlet.  Matt also directs Bound and Gagged, Salisbury University’s improv comedy team and teaches improv for Destination Imagination.

 

Priscilla Magalee (Nurse) Priscilla is a sophomore theatre major at Salisbury University.  She also works as costume designer/assistant in all productions in their growing theatre department.  Some of her favorite roles include Susanne in Picasso in the Lapin Agile and Olympia in Big Love.  This is her first show (and hopefully not her last) with the Community Players and is glad to join such a great group of people.  She is also not really a blonde…

 

Geri Wiberg (Regular nurse) Geri is a veteran Community Player.  She was last seen as Aunt March in Little Women.  She has also played Mother Gilbreth in Cheaper By the Dozen, Vivian Trachtman in Love, Sex, and the IRS, and Violet Bradman in Blithe Spirit.  Geri teaches English and French at Colonel Richardson High School.

 

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

 

Good Evening and welcome to our production of Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys.  This has really been an extra special production for me.  After having been involved in just about every aspect of theatre for Community Players, I have finally decided after over twenty years to bite the bullet and sit in the Director’s seat.  Some say it is about time.  Others say, “What are you, crazy?”  But this has certainly been an enjoyable experience for me and I hope it will be for you also.

The Sunshine Boys is the story of Al Lewis and Willie Clark, also known as that great vaudeville team – The Sunshine Boys.  This story, however, takes place after one of the duo decides to retire without consulting the other half of the duo.  After eleven years of silence, the comedy team is once again reunited, whether they like it or not.  And if you know anything about Neil Simon, Lewis and Clark might not like it, but we as the audience are going to love it!  It is written with all of the great comedy routines from vaudeville and the old black and white movies in mind.  And if you are anything like myself, you spent those great Sunday afternoons in front of the TV soaking them all in. From Abbott and Costello and the Marx Brothers to Laurel, Hardy, and the Three Stooges.

                                                                        Ken Johnson

                                                                        Director

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 

Joe Andrews – Sign-Age

Jones and Dryden Truck and Car Rental

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.

Salisbury – Wicomico Arts Council

Wor-Wic Community College

Access 26

The Daily Times

Mike and Sandi at Q105

WBOC-TV

WMDT-TV

WICO – Cat Country

 

As in every production, there are individuals who have come to our aid and unfortunately are not mentioned in the program.  We take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this production possible.

 

2003-2004 SHOWS

 

 

Meet Me in St. Louis

Directed by Rusty Mumford

The Mouse that Roared

Directed by Cindy Gore

 

An Inspector Calls

Directed by Sharon Benchoff

_______________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

Children’s Theatre Workshop

July 14 – 25, 2003

We are planning a session for this summer. 

Please call 410-641-0508 for information

_______________________________________________________________________

 

PATRONS  2002-2003

 

Guardians

    Kel and Debbie Nagel                                                                                     Tom and Susan Robinson

    In Memory of Mary E. Spencer                                                                                    MSC/ Mail Movers

Benefactors

    Barbara S. Hanson - Dance Unlimited                                                 Fred G. and Clara S. Livingood

Mrs. Harry L. Palmer

Angels

    Diane M. Collins                                                                                     Mary Sue and. Gordon Gladden

    Holloway Funeral Home, P.A                                                 Paul Klaverweiden and Michale Williams

    Regina Montagna                                                                                               Lillian & Lester Simpson

    John and Ann Suthowski                                          Barry P. Wilson In Memory of Mary Lou H. Wilson

Donors

    Nancy and Fred Althaus                                                                                                    Jane W. Bailey

    Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bloodsworth                                                                                    Gerry Dashiell

    Nancy Davies and Bob Culver                                                                       Alan and Mollie Dickerson

    Nina S. Downs                                                                                              Robert and Evelyn Fishman

    Lloyd and Alice Foard                                                                              Betsy Hancock and Ed Fooks

    Alan and Debbie Goodman                                                     William A. and Dr. Carolyn S. Johnston

    Adrianne and Lew Kadushin                                                                                               Ruth Langeler

    Rod and Pat Layton                                                                                                       Eloise D.J. Lowry

    Elinor H. Lynch                                                                                                          Mary Frances Macon

    Mark N. Maselli                                                                                    Dr. Kay Myers and Dr. Ben Bogia

    Rick and Melody Nelson                                                                                    David and Mildred Pines

    Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Plotts                                                                      Mr. and Mrs. A. James Smith

    Bill and Jane Speide                                                                                      Mary and Stephanie Taylor

    Shirley Thomas Taylor                                                                        M. William and Frances Tilghman

    Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd F. Tweedy                                                            Mr. and Mrs. Charles Woodward

Anonymous

Sponsors

    Marge and Jack Bredin                                                                             Dr. and Mrs. William J. Doyle

    Doris V. Hammond                                                                                                Mary‑Alice S. Hawkins

    Mr. Alfred C. Huffer, Jr.                                                                                               Virginia B. Layfield

    Vernon E. Tompkins                                                                                                 Dick and Sally Work

Friends

    Jessie M. Calloway                                                                                             Tim and Susan Johnson

    Terry and Mary Beth Lindsay                                                                                 John and Vickie Pick

    Holly and Miles Riggin                                                                                       Alan and Debra Yentsch

Anonymous

 

Thank You