Lost In Yonkers by Neil Simon review by Ed Vincent Lost in Yonkers was written in 1991 as a play by Neil Simon. The writing seems older than that, reminiscent of something perhaps by Eugene O'Neill, perchance a taste of "Long Days Journey Into Night" with a little a sexy simple minded girl damaged by reality.   There are some comical moments, but the humor is thin, instead of laughs I find myself investing in the development of the characters.  I fell in love with Aunt Bella early on, she reminded of Lennie Small from "Of Mice and Men".  Good intentions, a simple mind, a pure heart, and stepped on by a harsh reality. The Broadway production, directed by Gene Saks, ran for 780 performances, Village Players will be much shorter than that and some incredible talent to give the cast a full measure of drama. Stephanie Ganacoplos is a thrill to see on stage, she's young and pretty and full of dreams, her feet barely touch the ground as Aunt Bella.  Andrew Raia, as Jay and Jake Walczyk as Arty, bring a humor and a narrative quality to the story that begins our tale with some snickers of description until we find the laughs are on us, as the characters described are in fact true and will be on the stage with them for the entire drama. It is an interesting story and Brian Rabinowitz has done a brilliant job of directing this drama to a fine conclusion, the play is a winner and the performance is a must see event for lovers of theater in the suburban Chicago area. Deanna Norman, as Grandma Kurnitz is a treat in her portrayal of an immigrant that got damaged in the heart department somewhere either in transition from Germany or perhaps had some broken eggs before the voyage.  This is a very interesting play a joy to see when performed so well. Louie, played by Steven Camara, is tough enough with a remainder of softness on the inside and some good advice to boot.  Gert, portrayed by Katherine Glavin, has a smaller role but does a fine job with many quirks she must display on stage. Get your tickets............................ Awards 1991 Drama Desk Award for Best New Play 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama 1991 Tony Award for Best Play 1991 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading       Actress in a Play (Mercedes Ruehl) 1991 Tony Award for Best Performance by a       Supporting Actress in a Play (Irene Worth) 1991 Tony Award for Best Performance by a       Supporting Actor in a Play (Kevin Spacey) Broadway Database for Play The Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation in association with Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest presents Lost In Yonkers by Neil Simon Arty and Jay are left at their grandmother’s house while their father pays off his debts to a loan shark. Grandma is anything but sweet and affectionate and all of her children have suffered from her tyrannical rule. All three generations learn in this Pulitzer Prize winning tale of old wounds and young discovery. Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00 Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00, Sunday   "LOST IN YONKERS" CONTINUES VILLAGE PLAYERS STRONG SEASON OF NEW AMERICAN CLASSICS INTO 2010   (Oak Park, IL) The new year coincides perfectly with Village Players Theatre's season of New American Classics in it's mainstage theatre.  Audiences will be touched and entertained by our first offering, "Lost In Yonkers", the story of an American family across three generations. The show opens on Saturday, January 16th, 2010.   Two young brothers are forced to fend for themselves when their ne'er do well father leaves them with their tyrannical grandmother, who rules her home and candy store with an iron will.  Along with their sweet but simple-minded aunt and mysterious gangster uncle, the boys learn about old wounds and new beginnings.  Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning masterwork is a comical and poignant look at family ties.   Directed by Brian Rabinowitz, the cast includes Steven Camara, Paul Chakrin, Stephanie Ganacopolos, Katherine Glavin, Deanna Norman,  Andrew Raia and Jake Walczyk.  Designers include Annalee Johnson (props), John List (sound), Camden Peterson (lights) Annette Vargas (set) and Emma Weber(costumes). Lisa Tiess is the Assistant Director. Michelle Springer is the stage manager.     "Lost In Yonkers" continues the mainstage season of New American Classics. The season started with "You Can't Take It With You" by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman.  The show, directed by Jack Hickey, opened on October 17th to rave reviews from the Wednesday Journal and DiningChicago.com. Following "Lost In Yonkers" is the Pulitzer Prize winning musical "A Chorus Line" by Marvin Hamlisch, Edward Kleban, James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante (Mar 12--Apr 25, 2010).  Watch a dance audition turn into a whirlwind of confession and self discovery. The season will end with Christopher Durang's comedy "The Marriage of Bette and Boo" directed by Village Players' Artistic Director Dan Taube (May 7--June 27, 2010).  The only son of a divorced couple looks back to see what went wrong between his parents during their marriage, and what finally went right.   All performances will be found at the Village Players Performing Arts Center, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park.  The theater is near the Harlem exit of I-290 and is also accessible by the CTA Green and Blue lines.  Plenty of parking is available on the street.  The theatre is handicapped accessible but please do call ahead to arrange for special seating.  To make a reservation, please call the box office at 866-764-1010, view our website at www.village-players.org, or visit the theater (the box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm).

Special Group discounts are available. 

Call   866-764-1010

Village Players Theatre is a non-equity professional 
theater located in Oak Park, IL at 1010 W. Madison St – 
North of 290 and East of Harlem Ave.

www.village-players.org