Mazzola and Jockinsen featured in ‘The Sunshine Boys’
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Actors Doug Jockinsen, left, and Gary Mazzola will appear in “The Sunshine Boys,” opening Feb. 3 at the Beekay Theatre. The Tehachapi Community Theatre production is directed by Ruthanne Jennings.
Gary Mazzola and Doug Jockinsen are not strangers to the stage.
Mazzola’s first play with Tehachapi Community Theatre was in 1997 and Jockinsen’s return was in 2006. Since then, they have both performed in several productions, including directing and serving as board members.
As the director, I have the privilege to work with them in, “The Sunshine Boys.” The past few weeks we have been preparing for TCT’s next production opening Feb. 3.
I asked them to share some of their views as performers now that they were back on stage in lead roles.
Gary: “I was attracted to this play because I found it to be one of the funniest Neil Simon plays I’ve read. It also deals with early comedy which I’ve always loved.”
Doug: “The opportunity to play a character! I love acting but because I was needed and so involved technically for the past five years, I have not devoted myself to getting back onstage as a major character actor. This show lets me stretch my legs!”
Gary: “I want the audience to forget what’s going on in the world and walk away with a smile on their face that won’t go away.”
Doug: “And tears in their eyes with laughter. A night of great escape, and something to tell their neighbors about.”
Gary: “The character I play is a real comedian. A lifetime career in show business. He wishes his career could have lasted forever, but that’s just not possible. He’s adjusting to the reality he’s faced with.”
Doug: “I play the ‘sane’ side of a duo stuck in a love/hate relationship for the past 43 years, or is he? He is passionate, talented, caring, fastidious, and a nifty dresser.”
Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys” will be presented by the Tehachapi Community Theatre at the Beekay Theatre, 110 S. Green St., Tehachapi. Performances will be on Fridays and Saturdays, Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 12, and Saturday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale Jan. 20 for $15 at Tehachapi Furniture, Johnny’s Take n’ Bake and The Apple Shed. You can also purchase tickets right now at www.TCTonline.com or call 822-4037.
