KU News Release

LAWRENCE — The University Theatre opens its 2010-11 main stage season at the University of Kansas with a production of Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, 8, 9 and 12 and at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

Jack B. Wright, professor of theatre, is directing the comedy. Mark Reaney, professor of theatre, is scenic and lighting designer; Phillip J. Schroeder, a graduate student from Kansas City, Mo., is costume and make-up designer; and Austin Robinson, a senior from Merriam, is the dialect coach.

The winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Drama Desk Award and Tony Award, “Lost in Yonkers” was written in 1991 and is one of Simon’s later plays. Many critics consider the play to be Simon’s best work and the pinnacle of his career.

Although more serious than some of Simon’s comedies, “Lost in Yonkers” is a funny and touching portrayal of acceptance, survival and family dynamics. It is a bittersweet family comedy, Wright said, as comical as it is poignant.

In the play, a widower leaves his two young sons in the care of his cold, ill-tempered mother, who runs a candy store. Grandma not only makes life miserable for the two boys, but also verbally abuses her slightly mentally challenged daughter and scoffs at her small-time crook of a son. When the daughter finally stands up to her mother, life continues on with an icy understanding between the two.

“This is truly an American play,” Wright said. “It is set in 1942 during World War II in a harsh household, where everyone functions as best they can. The deep levels of pain Simon explores in his characters and the humorous dialogue from certain characters ultimately helps the play to strike a balance between tragedy and comedy.”

Wright cast two guest actors from the community to round out the KU student cast. Erica Fox, Lawrence, is portraying Grandma Kurnitz, and Drew Cheek, Baldwin City, plays Arty.

Reserved seat tickets for “Lost in Yonkers” are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982, and Lied Center, 864-ARTS, and online at kutheatre.com. Tickets are $18 for the public, $17 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff and $10 for all students. All major credit cards are accepted.

Members of the cast for “Lost in Yonkers” are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, high school and role.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Baldwin City 66006
Drew Cheek, eighth-grader at Baldwin Junior High, son of Doug and Samantha Cheek, Arty.

From Lawrence 66044
Erica Fox, community actress, Grandma Kurnitz.

MIAMI COUNTY
From Louisburg 66053
Brittany Barney, senior, theatre, daughter of Christie and Andy Barney, Paola High School, Gert.

MORRIS COUNTY
From Council Grove 66846
Jake L. Smith, senior, theatre and English, son of Marc and Molly Smith, Council Grove High School, Louie.

SALINE COUNTY
From Salina 67401
Marilyn Haines, senior, theatre and Russian, daughter of Jeff Haines and Bob and Linda German, Bennington High School, Bella.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City 66109
Alex Roschitz, sophomore, theatre, son of Sherry Roschitz, Rockhurst High School, Jay.

MISSOURI
From Kansas City 64114
Jakob Wozniak, senior, theatre, son of John Wozniak and Cheryl Atkinson, Shawnee Mission North High School, Eddie.