The Daily Mail from Hagerstown, Maryland • Page 6

Doily Moil, Hogtrttown, SIX" Twiday, Augutt 5, 1973 Family Section 'The Sunshine Boys' is a real gem at Wayside Theatre UIIIE POWEU, Nell Simon's comedy "The Sunshine Boys" is what I go lo the theatre to relish and savor. Two seasoned, expert actors, giving well honed performance that literally sings! Bouncing repartee that gels to the root ei the characterization, revealing the weaknesses and foiWes of human nature, then mixed up with comedy and a touch of pathos. No contrived situations, just good, gutty, down- toarth human reactions. And, all done with such a fine touch that the viewer is so enraptured, thai before you know it, the show is over, and you think it has just begun. Such was the performance given by Paul Marin and Reuben Schafer at Wayside Theatre's offering of "The Sunshine Boys" Sunday evening, and it was indeed a memorable occasion.

Vaudeville team To watch as the two vied for position in the story of the oW- timc vaudeville team of Lewis and Clark, getting together again for an immortalized segment on TV after 11 years (during which they had not spoken or communicated with each other) is to watch the stage come alive, though Michael Mertz, as the nephew agent of Willie Clark, certainly adds his expertise as an actor to the show. Known of the "Kings of Comedy" during the golden age of vaudeville and described as "two comic lights that beamed as one," the team is reunited when a TV company, trying lo give a 1 retrospective of American comedy, hopes to restore the great burlesque sketches of Clark and Lewis. You can always tell a pro and Paul Marin as "Willie Clark" and Reuben Schafer, who strongly resembles Martyn Green, as "Al Lewis" really make this a fast-paced telling event. Paul Marin, a la Willie Clark, has nothing but seeming contempt for 1 his former partner, as his nephew, Michale Mertz, tries to sell him on the idea of rejoining his former partner for (he TV sketch. Nonetheless, he admitted, that though disliking him in- tensely off-stage because he walked in one night after a performance on Ed Sullivan's TV show and announced that he was quitting, without notice of any sort, noted "He was terrific onstage.

There will never be another like him. His performance in the doctor's office (one of the skits) is a classic. Even a dead person would have laughed!" Eloquent performance ft was eloquent (o observe as the two finally got together, each taking the measure ol the other, subtly bragging, each holding on to his last vestige of pride, each trying lo top the otter. As they quickly set tho stage for the rebearsa! and nothing but petty complaints were forthcoming from the leader of the team, Al Lewis was moved to remark, "I don't know how many years 1 have left and I'd like to get through this rehearsal. Quibbling and grumbling followed as each tried to upstage the other.

Taping the show was just as difficult and nearly floored the contemporary film crew. "They're asking for No. 7 amber make-up and they stopped making that 34 years ago," one was moved to complain. "And he says the 'ah sticks' are too short." Performed before a stylized selling with a full-sized skeleton as part of decor, lines kept ringing by, vaudeville style, referring to treatment. There was a typical dizzy blonde with generous curves working as the nurse as part of the comedy routine, This was played with a flourish and great humor by Judy Guyll; and Tod Miller, as Ihe patient, with his exaggerated eye-rolling again with vaudevillian flourish, added the right touch to this little gem.

Great Kenei Bui most amusing of all were the great scenes between the two vaudevillians, one accusing the other of purposely spilling in his face while talking, and digging with his finger in his chest while making a point. This brought on the understatement of the year, "You know somethin' Willie, I don't think we get along loo good!" The upstaging continued to the end as each glossed over the fact that they were both on their way to the Actor's Home in New Brunswick, N.J. They reminisced about show business characters, giving the genealogy of many old pros. The play concluded rather abruptly, however, with each actors his completely resolving his attitudes, and members of the audience expecting another scene. Later, Reuben Schafer explained, "Well, that was our director's idea.

He wanted us to resolve this ourselves, and he left us with hope for the future." The astute director was none other than Norman Gevanthor, on the resident staff of Arena Stage, who has skillfully and knowingly directed a number of excellent performances at Wayside. In this case lie had actors of stature who came off with exceeding skill. There was another telling vignette, beautifully handled by Beverly Cosham, as the nurse who took care of Willie Clark after he suffered a heart attack as he was protesting during the filming. "The Sunshine Boys" is a real gem and a rarity on the summer theatre scene. Knowing theatre-goers will not want to miss it.

It will continue through this coming Sunday evening al Wayside's cameo theatre, located in Middktown Va. The Sunshine shine Gfy Center Joffrey Ballet is playing now at Wolf Trap VIENNA, Va. The City Center Jeffrey Ballet returns to Trap Farm Park for the Arts for its fifth an' a appearance, Tuesday, "August 5 through Saturday, August 9, 1975. Curtain lime is 8:30 p.m. The company will present ballets in repertory during Ihe five-performance engagement, its first in the Washington area since a triumphant tour of the U.S.S.R.

in November and December of last year. Opening night the company will perform Twyla Tharp's I I a version of her a i success, "Deuce Coupe." to the music of the a Boys, "Pas Des Dcesses," choreographed by Robert Joffrey to the music of John Field, by a A i a Druckman's score for solo contrabass, and "Jen De by the late John Cranko to Igor Stravinsky's score. Wednesday evening Wednesday evening (August 6) the program will open with Kurt Jooss's "The Big City" choreographed lo the music of Alexandre Tansman and close i a choreograplicr's "The Green Table," the anti-war master- piece with a score by Frederick Cohen. "Confetti," by Arpino, danced to Rossini's "Overture to Semiramide," and Sir i A "Monotones," to the music of Erik Satie will be the second and third ballets. Thursday evening (August 7) the program will open with "Deuce Coupe and close with "Jeu De Cartes." The second ballet be "Remembrances." Jeffrey's work to the music of Richard Wagner.

Friday The Friday evening (August 8) performance will see Ihe local premiere of Gerald Arpino's "The Relativity of Icarus," i a score by Gerhard Samuel and text by poet Jack Larson. Based loosely on the myth of Icarus and his father, Daedalus, the work has a setting by Rouben Ter-Arutunian and lighting by Thomas Skelton. The new work will be preceded by "Tho Big City" and "Pas Des Deesses" and followed by Gerald Arpino's rock ballet "Trinity." Closing (Saturday, August 9) "The Big City," "Monotones," Jcu De Cartes" and "Trinity" will be danced. Robert 'Joffrey is artistic director of the company and Gerald Arpino is associate director. Growin Older meant someone else to this retiree By HAROLD BLUMENFELD Is there really a Founlain of Youth in Florida? Or what was the magnet which drew me there lo join more than a million other people over age 65 a permanent resident? Before 1 took my enforced retirement after 40 years as a news wire service editor in New York City, I had little con- tad wilh people in my own age brocket, generally referred to as senior citizens.

Growing old cr may a been something happening to other people. But not lo me. Two years ago my wife and 1 moved to South Florida and nol merely to check into sex orgies al senior citizen communes. I was attracted by the perpetually wonderful climalo where could live a more relaxed, but still quite active life. However.

found myself surrounded by a largo congregation of aging people, many of (hem doing nothing to become involved physically, menially and socially. By leeling sorry for themselves and vegetating they were growing older at a rapid rate, rushing for the coronary intensive care unit or a nursing home. And more older persons are flocking to Florida each year, making Uade (which includes Miami and Miami Beach) and Browarri counties in South Florida the potential havens for more people over 65 than any other part of the United States. Florida ranked 31st in state population in 1930 but jumped to 9th in 1970. with an estimated growth to 10,669,700 in 1885.

And more tlian Iwo million will be living in Dade and Broward Counlics. which occupy only 3,392 miles of the state's total are of 54,136 square miles. Demographic research figures for 1970 show there were 985,690 people over age 65 in Florida of a total population of 6,789,366,1 10-year increase of 77 per pent, wilh the greatest numbers living in St. Petersburg and the Greater Miami and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood areas. It is estimated that today one third of all residents In Dade and Broward counties are over 65.

It is also estimated that during the last five years 3.000 people a day moved into Dade and Broward counties, most of them over 65. And despite economic conditions which curtail tourist (raveling, older people are still arriving every day to take up permanent residence in high and low rise condominium apartment buildings, small, attached row houses referred to as lown bouses by local builders or in old buildings, hardly any better than the tenement-type homes they left behind in other cities. What brings them lo Florida? a i sunshine and warm weather, a more casual life and a less expensive way to live since condominium purchases or' rentals are frequently less than in other cities. Also a chance to live a few more years than they would have In other climates. Statistics show that people on an average two years longer in Florida than elsewhere.

But if Ponce de Leon discovered the Founlain of Youth he didn't find a money tree in the state's lush natural vegetation. Florida does not have an income tax and other state and municipal taxes arc lower than in other parts of the country. But the economy, as it is for people in other age brackets and localities, Is the number one problem lor the aging. For the less affluent older person it'salmost impossible to earn extra money to augment Social Security benefits, pensions or small return on investments to keep up with the ever-rising cost of living. The biggest employer here is government stale, county and local governments who employ more a a half million people.

But it is difficult, if not impossible, for newly-arrived residents over 65 lo find government jobs. And for the lucky person who finds employment with private industry, he or she will quickly learn that the average salary is much lower than in New York or other large cities. But it's great life for us in the Sunshine State. That is if we can adjust to a new life, dispel worries, take advantage of the climate and become active doing something more than just sit and watch the coconuts fall off the trees. And to accept the fact that what we thought would be Land of Milk and Honey may turn out to be only a Land of Navel Oranges and aging Bikini Navels, Marin, and Reuoen Schafer, stand ing, en the old-time vaudeville ham of Clark and lewis, really make fait comedy by Neil Simon come fo life of Theatre.

Marriage licenses Washington County continues to issue a large number of marriage licenses each week. In the past-seven-day period, 52 couples received permits lo wed at the local court house. Applicants came from far-away states as well as neighboring ones. Among county residents who received licenses were: Steven Eugene Startzman, 18, Linda Kay McCusker, 21, Williamsport James Elmer Exline, Hancock, Donna Kay Bradshaw, Neodmorc, Pa. David Ellsworth Maile, Hagcrstown, Pamela Mae Holt, Sharpsburg Carroll Phillip Foltz, 24, Joyce Elaine Giles, 20, Hagerstown Daniel Edgar Pike, 19, Boonsboro, Maria Christina Carroccia, 19, Hagerstown Robert Craig Reichard, 24, Williamsport, Gail Lynn Smith, 22, Hagerstown James Michael Flannery, 18, Bonita Louise a IS, Hagerstown William John Jones, 26, a 18, Boonsboro Timothy Alan Steiner, 25, Pamela Lee Stockslager, 19, Hagerstown William Holmes Grove, 21, Rebecca Nioma Hager, 20, Hagerstown Kevin B.

Davis, 18, Michele A. Hartman, 19, Hagerslown Fred William Repp, 19, Nancy Louise Knable, 19, Hagers- lown Theodore Ellsworth Shoaf, 22, Kay Spessard Ramsey, 21, Hagerstown Gary Alan Pfeiffer. 22, Mary Frances Van Scoy, 22, Hagerstown Two pros in (he fheatre, they prove fhe point lhal experience all, for each is deft, inventive and talented. They are backed up by a superb cast, good lighting, staging and direction. Club News Auxiliary reviews events The auxiliary to Amietam Unit American Legion, Sharpsburg.

will meet'Tuesday, August 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Legion Home. Recently elected officers will be in charge: president, Doric Hull; vice-president, Patricia Mason; secretary. Maxine CimpbeU; treasurer, Meiva Ryan; historian, Dinak Ingram; chaplain, Peggy Hinton; sergeant -at -arms. Catherine Ripple.

At the annual Maryland convention of the Legion auxiliary held in July at Ocean City, Maxine Campbell was elected president of the Western Maryland District. A skating party is being planned for junior members ind friends of the unit. Tht-event will be held at Turners Skate Palace September 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets will be sold by members. Personals Mrs.

Mary M. Meyers is recu- a i in 1820, Washington Counly Hospital, following surgery. Rose Hoffman, Verda Wilhide, Mary Baker and Russell Iseminger, members of the Boonsboro Senior Citizens group, spent an enjoyable week at a a Camp near Hedgesville, W. Va. Proud Parents Mr, and Mrs.

Robert L. Bryan, Route 5, Box 417, announce Ihe birth of a son, Todd Anthony, July 25. Mrs. Bryan Is the former Sharon Thompson. Mr.

and Mrs. William Grouse, 14 S. Camion announce the birth of their fourth child and third daughter, Martha Jean, July II. Mrs. Crouse is the former IJnda BBrgw.

Dior wedding dress Wirephao The obovt displayt a Marc Bohan dtifgn for wedding gown in white crept embroidered in gold for the fall-winter collection of Christian Dior. Bowers-Straley family holds seventh reunion The seventh Bowers-Straley reunion was held July 20 at Hagerstown City Park under the direction of President Beverly Straley, with 69 in attendance. Invocation was given by Pat Bowers preceding a buffet- style lunch. Games were played and prUes awarded. Gifts were presented: the youngest baby, Tina Straley, oldest person, Mrs.

Beatrice Slraley; most-recently married, Connie and Willie Bowers' longest married, Pat and Stella Bowers; longest distance traveled, James Straley and family, and man with the most pennies Walter Nalley. Newly-elected officers for Ihe eighth reunion were Des 5 ly. president; David Bowers vice-president; Beverly Straley, secretary; and Connie StoctsUger, treasurer..