It is always a pleasure to see a play by Neil Simon and Lost in Yonkers is always near the top of the list. Now playing at Northlight Theatre in Skokie, artistic director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans bring this classic to the stage under the direction of Devon de Mayo, who is able to bring out all the nuances that have made this Pulitzer Prize play the success that it has been for so many years.
We are taken to a hot and humid New York summer in 1942 where Eddie falls on hard times due to surmounting medicals bills for the care of his late wife. Without much choice he has borrowed nine thousand dollars from local loan sharks and now has one year to pay it back – or else. The only way for Eddie to earn such a sum of money is to take on a traveling sales job, the only problem is that he needs to find a place for his two teenage sons to stay in the meantime. After some convincing, he arranges for the two boys to stay with their tough as nails grandmother, who is as strict as they come. Bella, his lovable, but somewhat broken sister also lives with them and the dynamic becomes even more off kilter when his brother, Louie, a small-time gangster also lives with them from time to time. What we get is a mish-mash of personalities who are thrown together and though nerves are often tested, valuable lessons are also learned.
Alistar Sewell as “Jay” and Sebastian W. Weigman as “Arty” are full on fantastic as Eddie’s two sons, each showing a strong ability in delivering comedic lines and timely expressions. At the same time, Linsey Page Morgan displays her well-rounded talents in portraying the often neurotic and emotionally scarred “Bella”. What you get with this production of “Lost in Yonkers” is heavy-duty acting all around, a heartfelt story and a lot of laughs – not to mention a great taste of New York family life during WWII.
This recommended production of “Lost in Yonkers” is being performed at Northlight Theatre (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie) through June 8th. For tickets and show information, visit www.northlight.org or call the box office at 847-673-6300. Tickets are also available at a very reasonable $25-$75 dollars with student tickets being offered at just $15.
