Review: Richardson Theatre Centre's LOST IN YONKERS identifies truth that is still relevant today.

LOST IN YONKERS

By Neil Simon
Directed by Rachael Lindley & Deborah Key
Produced by Richa

Audience Rating: G
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes plus a 15 minute intermission
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not Available
Production Sound Level: Comfortable Sound Level
Noises or Visuals to Prepare for: None

Reviewed by Glynda Welch

Like Heidi’s grandfather and Pollyanna’s aunt, Grandma Kurnitz is cranky and mean. Unlike them, getting to know her young charges doesn’t transform her into a loving and kind person. In his Pulitzer Prize winning play LOST IN YONKERS, Neil Simon gives us a glimpse into the pain that can be part of family relationships. More importantly he gives us a glimpse of humanity’s triumphs over that pain. RTC’s production weaves humor, fear, hope, anger, resilience and regret into a poignant tapestry of 1942 Yonkers. 

Karen Jordan plays Grandma Kurnitz with steely meanness. The character says that responsibility makes you mean, but eventually we get tiny moments that help us feel empathy for Grandma. Amy Knoles is a tornado of energy and agony as Bella, the daughter who can’t live on her own, - or can she? Grandma & Bella live above the family candy store, which they operate 6 days each week. The beautiful set designed by Greg Smith places us in the upstairs apartment, with windows looking out at the second floor of buildings across the street. 

The play opens with 15 ½ year old Jay (Zachary Carvajal) and 11 ½ year old Arty (Aubrey Goodman) unhappily waiting in the living room while their father Eddie (Kevin Michael Fuld) is talking to his mother. A widower with debt, Eddie needs his mother to take in the boys while he works. All three guys are terrified of Grandma, as is pretty much everyone in Yonkers. Carvajal and Goodman have excellent chemistry as siblings. North Texas theatre-goers should expect to see much more from these talented young actors. Fuld gives us a loving father forced with impossible situations doing the best he can. 

Joe Cucinotti’s animated Louie is a force of nature and an awesome storyteller. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? Can the boys trust him? Louie says he’s not afraid of Grandma, but there are moments… 

Megan Tormey gives a stellar performance as Gert, Eddie’s sister whose childhood trauma has left her with an unusual breathing/speaking difficulty. 

Sound Designer Rusty Harding serves up period music and radio commercials. Lighting Designer Kenneth Hall uses a spot effectively for Eddie’s letters while keeping the stage bathed in light. Ainsley Horan’s costumes are period & character appropriate. Young Arty is still wearing short pants. Denise Albini and Rusty Harding are credited with props. The matching crocheted doilies on the sweet armchairs were a perfect detail. 

Directors Rachael Lindley and Deborah Key have assembled a lovely ensemble of actors, surrounded them with creative designers, and gifted the audience with a poignant Simon masterpiece. With Simon’s comedies you leave quoting or giggling at one-liners. With his dramas you leave with moments of truth to ponder. LOST IN YONKERS continues through June 2nd at Richardson Theatre Centre. Tickets are available online at richardsontheatrecentre.net or through the box office at 972-699-1130.  Don’t delay, RTC often sells out.

Experience Live Theater!

Glynda Welch