"Lost in Yonkers" by Neil Simon is directed by Robert James with assistance from Sandi Robertson and Donna Lamb.
The ensemble cast includes:
Jay: Ben Holmes
Arty: Richard Davis
Eddie: Jeff Ehmen
Bella: Lydia Marsh
Louie: Sam Marsh
Aunt Gert: Christel Walia
Grandma Kurnitz: Cam Scales
The story is set in 1942. Eddie, a widower, is panic stricken when he has to persuade iron-clad German Grandma Kurnitz to take in his two young sons, Jay and Artie, so he can travel on an extended sales trip to earn money for his family. There we also meet Aunt Bella, slightly simple in the head; Uncle Louie, a small-time gangster; and Aunt Gert, who tends to keep talking whenever she breathes in. At the core of it, "Lost in Yonkers" is a play about finding one's way through the tangled webs of familial relationships and attempting to survive life without losing the sense of self.
I know that I'm prejudice because I love Neil Simon's style of writing, but couple THAT with the talent in this cast and crew, and you have an excellent show right here in Huntsville to see! Some of my favorite performances were given my the youngest cast members: Ben Holmes and Richard Davis (my personal favorite!) play 15- and 13-year old brothers. This was their Theatre Huntsville debut and they both brought talent and a freshness to the Huntsville theatre community. I hope they will be in more local shows in the future. Another fun actor to watch was Lydia Marsh as Aunt Bella. She is just GREAT and seems to have found a niche (or is it type-casting?) as wacky characters, having last been in "The Boys Next Door." I really got a kick out of Marsh's husband, Sam, as the gangster Louie. He really put a lot of enthusiasm and charm into the role.
And finally, I have to say that Cam Scales was great as Grandma Kurnitz. Having been around a lot of my husband's German relatives, I found Scales's speech, walk and mannerisms very realistic. In fact, I'm scared of that German matriarch! This show is funny and clever with a real message about human nature and family relationships.
I have to mention the set for "Lost in Yonkers": it is the best I've seen in the Huntsville area over the last four years. It was designed and dressed by David Harwell, a professional set designer who recently returned to Huntsville after spending several years in New York doing this very thing. If you're sitting on the fence about whether you should go and see "Lost in Yonkers," let me urge you to go--you need to see this set, hear Neil Simon's great writing and see these outstanding actors. I really don't think you'll be disapponted!
RECOMMENDED FOR TEEN AND ADULT AUDIENCES
"Lost in Yonkers" is appearing May 14-15 and 20-22 at 7:30 pm; May 16 at 2:00 pm at VBC Playhouse. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (256)536-0807.
