'Lost in Yonkers' at Roxy Lane Theatre – Review

I attended the Roxy Lane Theatre in Maylands on Saturday, 24th August, for a captivating production of Lost in Yonkers. The show played to a full house, a testament to its popularity and the anticipation surrounding it. The audience’s reactions throughout the evening—frequent laughter and quiet attentiveness during poignant moments—reflected the high quality of the production. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, as did the engaged and appreciative audience.

Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers is a complex blend of humour and heartache, and the cast at Roxy Lane Theatre brought this to life with a balance of light-heartedness and depth. The play, which originally opened on Broadway in 1991, won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play that year. Set during World War II, it follows two young brothers who are sent to live with their strict, intimidating grandmother after their mother passes away. As the plot unfolds, the family dynamics become a rich tapestry of emotion, revealing the wounds of the past and the struggles of the present.

As the play unfolded, I found myself wondering, "Whose story is this?" Initially, I believed it would be Eddie's story—his struggle as a widowed father trying to secure a future for his sons. However, the play skilfully subverted my expectations. It quickly became apparent that the heart of Lost in Yonkers lies in Bella Kurnitz's journey. Seren Healy’s portrayal of Bella was both convincing and engaging. With excellent comic timing, Healy handled Bella’s mental health (or intellectual) struggles with a light touch, making her quest for independence the emotional heart of the play.

The theme of the cost of maintaining a tough exterior was powerfully embodied by Grandma Kurnitz, portrayed by Sarah House. As the immovable object to Bella’s unstoppable force, Grandma Kurnitz's emotional stoicism was portrayed with great subtlety. Sarah House skilfully conveyed the character’s subtle arc, showing moments of - if not warmth then perhaps a slight thawing of Grandma’s frosty demeanour.

The contrasting fates of Eddie and Louie add depth to the play’s exploration of strength and vulnerability. When we are introduced to Eddie, he's already been through so much. Zane Alexander’s portrayal of him nicely captured the nervous desperation of a man out of options who must turn to his mother for help. In contrast, Geoff Meithe brought vibrant energy to Louie, the would-be gangster, showcasing his bravado and underlying insecurity. The convincing Yonkers accents from all the main characters further enhanced the authenticity of the production.

The young actors, Daniel Keenan as Arty and Toby Shepherd as Jay, were a delight. Daniel Keenan’s confident and humorous performance as Arty brought many of the play’s funniest lines to life. Toby Shepherd’s portrayal of Jay provided a serious counterpoint, showing how Jay was becoming more like his father. The bond between the brothers was particularly touching when Jay protected Arty from Louie’s feigned bullying.

Julia Webster completed the cast as Aunt Gertie, managing to portray a quite dignity despite the comic wheezing condition she was afflicted with. Gertie’s role in the family dynamic, influenced by her mother and her own acts of rebellion, were effectively captured.

Director Karin Staflund, with a rich background in both acting and directing, ensured a well-paced and cohesive production. Her expertise was evident in the fluid dialogue, natural character movements, and overall polish of the performances. The play’s pacing was well-managed, with effective use of monologues from Eddie during scene changes.

The production’s technical elements also contributed significantly. Costumes by Celeste Lopez were period-appropriate and well-suited to the characters. Sound and lighting, coordinated by Kirsten Halford-Bailey, were also well-executed, with ambient sounds reflecting the Yonkers environment and a memorable moment when the lights dimmed, leaving only the glow through the window to suggest the Yonkers skyline.

Jim Chantry oversaw the set design and build, with Karin Staflund and Charlotte Weber assisting with set dressing and props, creating an authentic Yonkers apartment with a lived-in feel. Despite the modest size of Roxy Lane's stage, the space was used exceptionally well. With four or five entryways leading into the living room where all the action took place, the set gave the impression that life was happening behind every wall. A special mention goes to the sofa, which transformed into a sofa bed and back again without a hitch, seamlessly cooperating with the actors who never missed a beat during its transitions!

Overall, Lost in Yonkers was a thoroughly enjoyable production. The cast’s enthusiasm and depth in their roles made the play both funny and moving. The strong direction by Karin Staflund ensured that every element of the production came together seamlessly. I look forward to seeing the future endeavours of these talented actors and Karin Staflund’s next directorial project.