'Lost in Yonkers' premieres April 6
CHADRON – Chadron State College theatre students will perform Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play “Lost in Yonkers,” April 6-9 in Memorial Hall’s Black Box Theatre. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. April 6-8 and at 2 p.m. on April 9.
Tickets can be reserved by calling 308-432-6207 Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. or emailing box office@csc.edu. The performance is recommended for ages 13 and older.
“Lost in Yonkers” is directed by senior Molly Thornton of Riverton, Wyoming. Thornton said she appreciates the support she’s received from theatre faculty Roger Mays and Scott Cavin.
“They’re always there if you have any questions or need anything. They’re right there for you,” Thornton said.
She added stage manager Syerra Wycoff Bagshaw of Falcon, Colorado, is an asset.
The story is set in a New York borough where teenager brothers Jay (portrayed by Wacey Gallegos) and Artie (portrayed by Brie Royle) are left to live with their dysfunctional relatives above their candy store, for the summer while their father goes on the road to earn money to pay off medical bills accumulated prior to his wife’s death.
Royle, of Litchfield, Nebraska, said Thornton takes a professional approach to her role as director.
"She wants to make us think about our characters. What they would do and how would they react,” Royle said.
Thornton said audiences should expect contrasting scenes as the adolescents negotiate their relationship with their mentally challenged Aunt Bella, small-time gangster Uncle Louie, stressed Aunt Gert and their cold-hearted German immigrant Grandma Kernitz.
“One minute you’re laughing and the next you’re paralyzed with fear. I really like that about this type of show,” Thornton said.
Gallegos, of Ainsworth, Nebraska, said one of the themes of the play is survival.
“Sometimes you make it through, but you’re not always intact in the end,” Gallegos said.
Often called Neil Simon’s best, “Lost in Yonkers,” was performed on Broadway nearly 800 times and adapted into a 1993 film starring Richard Dreyfuss. Simon authored 26 plays before “Lost in Yonkers,” including “The Odd Couple,” “Barefoot in the Park,” and “Come Blow Your Horn.”
Members of the cast:
Jay: Wacey Gallegos, Ainsworth, Neb.
Artie: Brie Royle, Litchfield, Neb
Eddie: Samuel Martin, Hot Springs, S.D.
Bella: Mickenzi Loyd, Big Piney, Wyo.
Grandma: Taylor Thies, Rapid City, S.D.
Louie: Nathan Wojciechowski, Gering, Neb.
Gert: Courtney Smith, Hampton, Neb.
Members of the crew are:
Tech director: Scott Cavin, faculty
Costume designer: Carly Heath, faculty
Director: Molly Thornton, Riverton, Wyo.
Stage manager: Syerra Wycoff Bagshaw, Falcon, Colo.
Assistant stage manager: Jennaya Hill, Gordon, Neb.
Lighting designer: Leo Haselhorst, Randolph, Neb.
Props master: Jessica Steffen-Scheppers, Sturgis, S.D.
Sound operator: Jessica Brockel, Canon City, Colo.
Light operator: Laurin Bronson, Hay Springs, Neb.
Category: Campus News, Theatre