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Director Lisa Fineberg Malone did a wonderful job bringing Simon's humorous and poignant words to life. The entire production came together as unified piece, save for only a few moments of underdeveloped acting. The pacing moved quickly and the audience was captivated from beginning to end.
Philip Dawkins showed tremendous range as the older brother, Jay, and was able to carry the weight of his character squarely on his slight shoulders. He showed real maturity while still being able to convince us he was a depressed, antsy and angst riddled teenager.
Jason Wo, as the younger brother Arty, had a tough job. He is instantly compared to Dawkins because of the mere fact that they have many of their scenes together. While he was able to transcend the community theatre level of acting, he still has some learning to do if he is to continue on as a professional. There were times Wo appeared to merely recite his lines and didn't seem to be in a real dialogue with other actors.
Ron Hunting as the boy's father, Eddie, was ok with his small part. He seemed to rush his lines in the beginning scenes. When he appeared in solo, reading his letters to the boys, he was more relaxed and garnered heavy laughs.
Robyn Allen as Bella was almost the spiting image of Mercedes Ruehl's film performance. Most of the time that was a good thing. There were a few moments the night I saw it that Bella's angst went over the top before she had reached the climax of her scene. But, that is pretty nitpicky. Allen as well as the remaining cast were excellent. I was not surprised to find that many of the actors have already done professional work, including some television.
Pauline Borjes played a mean Grandma Kurnitz. She may have appeared one dimensional in the beginning, but as the story progresses, we learn why she has become closed off. It is a difficult role to play, but Borjes stayed in character brilliantly.
Greg Santos had the best part. He was the henchman Uncle Louie with all the best lines and Santos milked them for all they were worth. Ginny Harman played the quick part of Aunt Gert, the aunt who talks the first part of a sentence exhaling and the second sucking in. Harman played Gert so perfectly, we all wished she had had more to do.
Once again, Theatre Works provides a great story told well. This may be community theatre, but many of our local professional companies could learn something by watching this Glendale group. Lost in Yonkers continues at Theatre Works through December 3, 1995. Tickets are $10-12. Next up is The Nerd starting January 5. Call 486-8636 for box office information.
Viewed Saturday November 18, 1995
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