One show down, one to go this semester for the Rockhurst theater department. The first production of the school year, “Lost in Yonkers,” wrapped with a twin bill on Oct. 26. It featured a small cast with only seven actors from Rockhurst, St. Teresa’s Academy, Blue Valley North and St. James Academy gracing the stage of the Pozzo Theater.
“The experience was good! It was a small group, but I feel like that caused the cast to be closer, which is good,” senior Rory Colligan, who played the role of the father figure, Eddie, said.
The cast and crew put on five performances over a span of four days. The actors say they were nervous to begin with, but settled in as the days went on.
“I was pretty nervous on opening night, but I eventually warmed up and began really enjoying my time on stage as I became more comfortable,” senior Knox Nail, who played Uncle Louie, said.
“Lost in Yonkers” was written by one of the most famous playwrights of all time, Neil Simon. It follows two brothers’ experience of moving to the city of Yonkers after their mother’s death to live with their strict grandmother and strange relatives while their salesman father works to pay off medical debt. It’s a departure from Simon’s usual comedic style, such as what audiences might see in his shows like “The Odd Couple.”
“A bittersweet comedy about family and the ties that bind them together,” theater teacher and director Anthony McMurray said.
The play’s plot follows many unique concepts. Even the cast found the show unique.
“My favorite part of the show has to be the first scene in Act 2,” senior Cooper Riddle, who played “Jay,” said. “It’s so fast-paced and comedic, while at the same time filled with dramatic moments for almost every character.”
McMurray said he feels show went well and that the audience enjoyed the production, even if the two-hour long show might have strained their attention spans.
“The people [who] came to see the show enjoyed it and were excited to see a Neil Simon show they were unfamiliar with,” he said.
The next show will be one audiences are likely more familiar with. Rehearsals are now underway for “A Charlie Brown Christmas” with performances scheduled for Dec. 5-7 in the Rose Theater.
