Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical Lost in Yonkers opened on Broadway in 1991, going on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award. It certainly is one of the most popular of Simon’s plays, in terms of number of productions mounted, and Main Street Productions in Westfield takes its turn with a worthy rendition.
Being one of the playwright’s most serious plays, Lost in Yonkers deals with the abrupt changes in the lives of two 1940s era teenage boys who, after the death of their mother, are brought into the Yonkers home of their strict grandmother and their mentally challenged aunt. Director Jen Otterman brings forth a fine understanding of the script’s workings, having played the part of Grandma Kurnitz in her stage career. The themes of family, life’s obstacles, and coping all come through with sharp clarity.
The energetic cast is led by Lisa Warner Lowe as Grandma Kurnitz and Becca Bartley as her child-like daughter, Bella. Both actresses give stirring performances and their scenes together crackle with emotion. Ms. Lowe transforms physically in her characterization – becoming an embattled old woman with much grief in her past. Ms. Bartley is stunning as the overly-excitable Bella, turning in a faultless and wonderfully poignant performance.
Finley Eyers as Arty and Drake Lockwood as Jay. (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
These two ladies are supported by a fine group of stage artists. Veteran actor Thom Johnson is at his best and delivers one of his most complete characters as Uncle Louie, the shady “bagman” who shows up during the boys’ stay. Matt McKee handles the boys’ father Eddie’s complex situation with a solid performance. And Maggie Meier makes the most of her short stage-time as the vocally afflicted Aunt Gert.
Drake Lockwood and Finley Eyers are impressive as the boys – Jay and Arty Kurnitz, respectively. Each has their own moment in the spotlight and they both do very well with that. Especially noteworthy are the times when they share the stage alone – moving the action along with confident stage presences.
The show is played on a remarkable set designed by Ian Marshall-Fisher, and costumes by Linda Finley Grow add to the feel of the early war years. Lights and sound by Eric Matters and Eric Dixon are spot-on.
The only note of concern I have has to do with the diction of some of the actors. They all have developed a good and proper New York accent, but at times the precision of their words is lost in mumbles. I hope this will be addressed as the words are so important here and in any staging.
Bottom line: This is a terrific community theatre show. It tells an emotional story, with dashes of comedy, and the practitioners here are totally committed to the endeavor. The performances by the two leading ladies are remarkable.
Main Street Productions’ Lost in Yonkers runs at the Basile Westfield Playhouse through Feb. 18. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at WestfieldPlayhouse.org.