Danny DeVito Hoping to Bring THE SUNSHINE BOYS to Broadway in 2012/13

Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths recently wrapped up starring in THE SUNSHINE BOYS in the West End in late July and, according to the NY Post, are still hoping to bring the production to Broadway "this season or next."

He tells the paper today that "there are plans to transfer the critically acclaimed production about battling vaudevillians to Broadway once they iron out any scheduling issues."

Devito recently told the NYT: “I wouldn’t want to come to New York in something frivolous, just doing shtick. There’s a sadness in the relationship between these two men that really got to me, and I think it’d surprise American audiences who might have a certain expectation about a Neil Simon comedy — and about me.”

He continued on his charaacter: “I’ve always tried to pick roles — big roles, very small roles — where the characters have an edgy view of the world, are full of life, give off a so-crazy-I-can’t-believe-it vibe.” 

After opening to great acclaim, Thea Sharrock’s production of Neil Simon’s The Sunshine Boys completed its run at The Savoy Theatre on 28 July. With a cast led by Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths as the ageing vaudevillian team Willie Clark and Al Lewis, The Sunshine Boys began its limited West End run in April this year. 

Danny DeVito and Richard Griffiths are joined by Rebecca Blackstone as Miss Mackintosh, Nick Blakeley as Eddie, Peter Cadden as the Voice of TV Director, Johnnie Fiori as Registered Nurse, Adam Levy as Ben Silverman and William Maxwell as Patient.

Kings of comedy, Willie Clark and Al Lewis aka ‘The Sunshine Boys’ haven’t spoken to each other in years. When CBS call for the vaudevillian greats to be re-united for a television special, past grudges resurface as they take centre stage once more. Ageing ailments aside, can this legendary double-act overcome their differences for one last show? Old rivalry and vintage hilarity abound in this classic comedy of showbiz and friendship.

The Sunshine Boys is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Richard Willis, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Roger Berlind and Rupert Gavin, in association with Olympus Theatricals and Scott & Brian Zeilinger, with designs by Hildegard Bechtler, lighting by Neil Austin, music by Adrian Johnston and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph.

For more information, visit www.sunshineboystheplay.com.

Photo credit: Johan Persson