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THEATRICAL THROWBACK THURSDAY: Lost In Yonkers - A Salute To Gene Saks, 1921-2015

By: Apr. 02, 2015
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Today we celebrate the life of one of the most influential comedy directors in Broadway history.

Broadway Bound

Born November 8, 1921, noted three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway director Gene Saks actually started out as a performer, making his Broadway debut in the legendary 1949 original Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC. Subsequently, Saks went on to feature in several more Broadway productions as an actor, including A THOUSAND CLOWNS, THE TENTH MAN, A SHOT IN THE DARK and more. Additionally, Saks returned to acting throughout his career, famously appearing in the big screen translation of a Neil Simon comedy hit - THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE, opposite Jack Lemmon - as well as NOBODY'S FOOL alongside iconic stage and screen star Paul Newman, among other memorable appearances. Yet, Saks will most likely be remembered most for his sensational string of Simon smashes - and, with very good reason.

Saks and Neil Simon began their official onstage author/director partnership with CALIFORNIA SUITE in 1976, though Saks had already appeared in the aforementioned Simon film THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE and had directed several Hollywood adaptations of Simon smashes up until that point. Perhaps most notably, the high-point of their artistic collaboration would begin with the first of three plays in Simon's notable Eugene trilogy a few years later, beginning with BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS in 1983 and continuing on after that with BILOXI BLUES in 1985 and BROADWAY BOUND in 1986. Their prized partnership endured with RUMORS in 1988, and, then, the Pulitzer Prize-winning LOST IN YONKERS in 1991, followed shortly thereafter by the far less successful JAKE'S WOMEN. Although Saks was heralded for his affection and understanding of the uniquely stylized world of Neil Simon, he also tried his hand at a number of other plays and musicals throughout his career, as well, including the musical smash hits MAME and I LOVE MY WIFE, the latter for which he received his first Best Director Of A Musical Tony Award in 1977. Other TONY AWARDS were won for his Simon collaborations BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS and BILOXI BLUES, while also receiving a nomination for LOST IN YONKERS.

MAME would also act as a central focal point in Sak's life for another reason - he was married to the featured star, Broadway legend Bea Arthur, with whom he was partnered for 30 years from 1950 through 1980, also directing her in the unsuccessful big screen edition of the hit Jerry Herman musical, starring Lucille Ball. Other entities that Saks shepherded as a director include the musicals HALF A SIXPENCE (for which he earned a Tony nomination) and the short-running RAGS as well as the well-received plays ENTER LAUGHING and NOBODY LOVES AN ALBATROSS along with the mega-hit SAME TIME, NEXT YEAR. As previously mentioned, films of many Simon properties litter his resume, as well, having helmed the silver screen editions of BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, THE ODD COUPLE, LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS and BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS in addition to CACTUS FLOWER, A FINE ROMANCE, the 1995 TV adaptation of BYE BYE BIRDIE and many more.

Stage and screen, onstage and backstage, Gene Saks was a true American theatre treasure and his comedy legacy will provide gales of laughter and rib-tickling truths for many future generations to enjoy thanks to his many hit feature films and the enduring Broadway legacy he leaves behind.

View this fascinating roundtable discussion with Saks along with several other directors and actors as part of an American Theatre Wing discussion taped in 2002.

As a special bonus, look back at the trailers for two Saks staples. First, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK.

And, of course, THE ODD COUPLE.

So, what is your absolute favorite Gene Saks production, whether onstage or onscreen? Furthermore, what is your personal selection for best play and best musical in his long list of credits? With a career this accomplished and a life so fully lived, Saks undoubtedly leaves a remarkable legacy of laughs and love.

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