Raymore-Peculiar High School announces its production of Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, Lost in Yonkers. Performances will be in the Ray-Pec High School Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, 8, and 9, and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Tickets may be reserved by calling the box office line, 892-3999 extension 2400. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Free child care will be provided.
Lost in Yonkers is rich in comedy, yet wrestles with the most painful family scar – what happens to children in the absence of love. During World War II, two young brothers are sent to live with the formidable Grandmother Kurnitz. A refugee and widow, Grandma Kurnitz has hardened her heart to the world, and has crippled her children with her coldness and cruelty. Chief among those children is Bella, a woman in her mid-30s, but due to an illness at birth, still mentally very much a child. Bella’s search for love leads her to even more heartache and an unforgettable showdown with Grandma. The play mixes Neil Simon’s signature wit with serious themes to make an amazing night of theatre. Awarded the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1991, Lost in Yonkers is considered by many to be Simon’s theatrical masterpiece.
The cast includes Denton Meehan as Jay, Aidan Martel as Arty, Alec Heriford as Eddie, Ella Schnake as Bella, Abby Ball as Grandma Kurnitz, Spencer Barr as Uncle Louie, and Larissa Wratney as Aunt Gert. The female understudy for the production is Kennedy Kinnick, and the male understudy is Gavin Carter.
Working behind the scenes are Teacher Todd Schnake as the director, Teacher Karla Penechar as the scenic designer and technical director, and Pam Schnake, Kay Connelly and Michael Connelly as production assistants. The assistant directors for Lost in Yonkers are Molly Loman, Blake Oser and Zoe Shriner. The stage managers are Spencer Harris, Jillian Humke, Zach Scott. The sound engineer is Nick Hime. The master carpenters are Spencer Barr, Morgan Bassett, Nate Caskey, and Lillith Monroe. Props master is Molly Loman. The master electricians are Nate Caskey and Sydney Heriford. House Managers are Alissa House and Kerstin Randolph.