FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2005

KICK-STARTING A DREAM
THE SUNSHINE BOYS TO PAIR YOUNG DIRECTOR WITH VETERAN ACTORS

A play about a couple of cranky, over-the-hill comedians is giving a young director the chance to fulfill a big dream … ten years ahead of schedule.

Jay Rawding wanted to direct a play for the Imperial Theatre stage by the time he turned 40. But when The Saint John Theatre Company’s production of The Sunshine Boys opens May 19th, he will be just 29.

“To have realized that goal this far in advance is a special treat,” says Rawding, a native of Hampton and bright light on the local theatre scene. “Since no theatre in Saint John is as large and as prestigious as the Imperial, this is certainly the biggest project I've ever worked on, and in a way it kind of validates the amount of involvement I've dedicated to theatre over the years.”

While the director is young, the stars of the side-splitting Neil Simon play are two of the city’s finest veteran actors. Bob Doherty and Peter Gilchrist play Willie and Al, washed-up vaudeville stars who get the chance to dust off their act for a television special. Like their characters, Doherty and Gilchrist have an illustrious shared history. They first acted together before Rawding was even born.

“I have always admired Bob Doherty, both as an actor and director,” Gilchrist says. “We have worked together on many projects since we did Kiss Me Kate in the early ‘70s. I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with him once again.”

The actors, both retired schoolteachers, give top marks to their young director.

“I'm enjoying working with Jay,” Doherty says. “He knows what he wants and has a very good understanding of the script and the characters. He also brings a freshness and an enthusiasm with him that is fun to have at rehearsals, especially for a comedy.”
Rawding has been heavily involved with theatre since he was a student at Hampton High School. Most recently, he has distinguished himself by directing various productions for the SJTC’s Second Stage group, of which he is Chair. Rawding says as he directs The Sunshine Boys, he’s learning a thing or two from Doherty and Gilchrist.

“Technically, Bob and Peter are very thorough in their character preparation and interpretation,” Rawding explains, “By watching how they've prepared for this show, I've come to realize there are many ways to research a character and a play's setting. Also, although in real life they're younger and in much better health than the characters they play, it's definitely true what they say -- age ain't nothin' but a number.”

The Sunshine Boys, the final production in the Saint John Theatre Company’s 2004-2005 season, runs May 19-21 at 8 P.M. There is also a 2 P.M. matinee on the 21st.. Tickets range in price from $19.50 to $27.50 and can be purchased at the Imperial Theatre Box Office at 674-4100 or 1-800-323-SHOW (7469).

“It's been a while since the Saint John Theatre Company has done a straight-out comedy,” Rawding says. “This is a fun show, if only to provide our audiences with some great laughs, so we are definitely anxious to rise to that challenge.”

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