Review: LOST IN YONKERS Finds Heart

Every once in a while, everything falls in place and you have a truly memorable evening. Last night was one of those nights, thanks to ACTA Theatre in Trussville. Starting with the warm welcome I received at the door all the way until after ACTA's fine production of LOST IN YONKERS when I was able to present Kim Hutchens with her BroadwayWorld award as Birmingham's best actress in a musical, this was an evening to remember.

ACTA is a perfect example of what community theatre should be, people in the community coming together to put on a quality production as they grow and learn, not only about acting and theatre, but about friendship and life. Not only does pure and real community theatre bring joy to all who participate, including the audience, but it raises the quality of life for the entire area. Kudos to ACTA Theatre for the work they do.

Last night, ACTA presented Neil Simon's LOST IN YONKERS and it was a delight. The cast is cohesive and ranges in generation from two young boys to the grandmother of the household.

Nicholas Wetzel as Jay and Ethan Finnegan as Arty are a delight to watch. You could feel the closeness between the youngsters and the protectiveness one had for the other. Left to spend the year with their rigid grandmother, the two latch on to each other through their hardships and adventures.

Fran Richmond as Grandma Kurnitz is harsh and domineering as the matriarch of this family of misfits. She lets her past dictate everyone's future and rules with an iron fist. Near the end, when you see glimpses of her humanity it is like a cool breeze washing over you on a hot, sticky day, but as with those breezes it disappears as quickly as it comes. And it leaves you knowing she loves her family, she just has no idea how to show it.

Suzanne Hively as Bella is a very complex and yet simple character. Ms. Hively's portrayal of the dutiful daughter, is full of depth and struggle, even as she keeps her silly, childlike qualities showing. Constantly threatened with the possibility of being sent to "the home" for her inadequacies, Bella learns that she can be strong when necessary. My companion for the evening summed up Ms. Hively's performance very well when he commented on the way home that at first he was afraid she was going to be annoying, but that she became more and more endearing as the play went on and you got to know her.

Kerry Burrell as Eddie, the boys' father, who leaves them to get work down south, Shawn Morrison as Louie, the mobster uncle and Shari Olm as the out of breath aunt Gert, round out the cast and the family. Each does an admirable job with their characters.

Well directed by Angie McGowan, LOST IN YONKERS is a heartfelt, thought provoking and humorous evening. A bit more serious than some of Simon's work, it is handled well by this cast and crew. This production did a fine job of storytelling and made us think and feel.

Kudos to stage manager Dawn Allen for efficient scene changes, which were numerous, and to the crew for good lighting, sound, costumes, and set, all of the things that usually go unnoticed if it all works and yet can ruin a show if it isn't right.

ACTA Theatre in Trussville is a venue I will be returning to soon, I hope. The evening made me want to be a part of what was happening there. LOST IN YONKERS only runs through this Sunday, February 28, but there were seats available. Call 205-655-3902 for reservations and check out their upcoming season on Facebook or at www.actatheater.com.

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