Stepping Out

Neil Simon has a wonderful reputation for writing about bleak situations and making them hilarious comedies.  Such is the case with “Lost in Yonkers,” the Village Theatre’s latest production.

The story takes place in 1941, in (where else) Yonkers, New York.  An edgy and stressed out father named Eddie needs a favor from his mother, whom he’s barely spoken to in years. 

His wife has recently died and he has taken a job that would keep him on the road for months.  He needs his mom to take in his two teen boys while he’s gone.

He doesn’t want to do this.  His mother is a bitter, strict and intimidating woman.  After much interrogation, she agrees to let them stay.

Not that the boys Jay and Arty are left alone there.  Their Aunt Bella still lives with Grandma Kurnitz.  She’s a bit slow and unbalanced, but she insists on following her dreams even though her mother is quick to crush them.

The four of them are soon joined by their Uncle Louie, who is on the run from some bad people.  Needless to say that with this rather potent mixture of personalities under one roof,  there will be a giant explosion.  The question is, will they survive the blast?

The cast as is in top form.  Collin Morris plays the oldest boy, Jay who wants to be able to contribute to the family.  His last appearance in the Village Theatre was in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” 

Arty is played splendidly by young Nick Robinson.  This is his first role on this stage.  He has a promising future as an actor.

Grandma Kurnitz is played by veteran actress Suzy Hunt.  She is thoroughly unpleasant, but she possesses a sense of humor.  She isn’t the kind of grandparent typically portrayed in stories like “Heidi.”  With that walk and that accent, she’s nothing less than a force of nature.

The simple-minded Bella is played by Jennifer Lee Taylor.  Her character is the most easily intimidated by Grandma Kurnitz, so she has to put up the biggest fight to try and gain her freedom.

Uncle Louie is the most enigmatic part.  It goes to Mike Dooly.  For a while we’re not sure if he’s another fly in the ointment or another helping hand.  We’re also not sure what kinds of activities have landed him in hot water.

Bradford Farwell plays the boys’ sad and desperate father, Eddie.  He’s largely absent from the overall story, but still a part of it.  Nonetheless, he appears to recite letters he writes to his boys, which keeps him in the forefront of our minds.

And last but not least is Karen Skrinde as Aunt Gert.  She’s the sister to Eddie, Bella and Louie.  She doesn’t visit her mom much for reasons that are soon apparent. 

Get your tickets to Yonkers as soon as possible.

“Lost in Yonkers” plays at the Everett Performing Arts Center through March 28.

For ticket information, call: (425) 257-8600.