Adelaide Repertory Theatre. 10 Sep 2026

 

Director Peter Goers’ production of Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys pays homage to Simon’s genius capacity for finely developed character relationships and deft hand with comic dialogue.

 

Director Goers has gone not for replicating an era but rediscovering a depth in humour and founding the entire production on that premises, timing as it demands.

So, no way is this work a museum piece. It is delivered by its leads Rob Cusenza as Willie Clark and Robin ‘Smacka’ Schmelzkopf as Al Lewis with great freshness, with a nod to the vaudeville and early TV variety show era these characters originate.

 

These old, famous reprobates lost to time, relevance and total obscurity—not to mention a volatile break in their 43-year career—are offered a miraculous comeback opportunity.

Will they take it?

That’s the core to this deeply engrossing two act journey of ancient friends become rivals sorting things out. Willie’s bitterness is pit against Al’s betrayal. Al’s distaste for Willie’s bossiness and intense focus on professionalism discourages further engagement.

Cusenza’s Willie is a lost, pyjama clad clown living near skin of his teeth and memories, desperate for each week’s edition of showbiz bible, Variety.

Director Peter Goers’ set perfectly gives us a threadbare two room suite Willie lives in.

Upstage back wall features a stunning projection, a performer view perspective on a lush vaudeville theatre, seats filled with an audience. Willie’s everlasting dream.

Aged, but vital in motion and wit, Willie is an eternal fighter.

 

Al is a total contrast. Fine hat, suit and cane. Very slow in motion. He wears age with the barest acceptance, and comic dignity.

This magnificent mix of physical comedy, exquisite timing and respect for the era of the dialogue evinces a captivating performance in which a battle of wills plays out with plenty of twists and turns. Cusenza and Schmelzkopf are renowned Adelaide comic actors. This work fits them like a glove. Their comic business is perfection. They revel in it. Their characterisations solid and deeply true. They own hearts with ease.

 

Supporting cast are first class. Tom Tassone as Willie’s nephew/agent evinces a weary but strong warmth in his battles managing his Uncle’s life. Lauren Thiel, performing as the classic sexy nurse in the Doctors sketch nails the era expectation of that comic type perfectly. Penni Hamilton Smith as Registered Nurse plays a warm comic line to the character. Stage Manager Johnathon Holds, playing the patient in the sketch, is funny just sitting there.

 

David O’Brien

 

When 10 to 19 Sep

Where/ The Arts Theatre

Bookings: artstheatresa.com