TACT Announces Talkbacks for LOST IN YONKERS

TACT/The Actors Company Theatre (Scott Alan Evans, Cynthia Harris and Jenn Thompson, Co-Artistic Directors), the critically-acclaimed company dedicated to presenting neglected or rarely produced plays of literary merit, have announced a series of post performance discussions to follow select performances of its production of Lost in Yonkers, by Neil Simon.TACT Co-Artistic Director Jenn Thompson directs.

TACT takes an intimate look at preeminent American playwright Neil Simon's masterwork Lost in Yonkers in its first New York City revival in two decades. After the death of their mother, two young boys suddenly find themselves living with a stern grandmother they hardly know in the strange new world of Yonkers. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner for Best Play won over critics and audiences alike when it debuted on Broadway in 1991, and markEd Simon's entry into the elite ranks of serious dramatists. 

In addition to regularly scheduled talk-backs with the cast following every Sunday 2pm matinee performance of Lost in Yonkers, the company will present a unique talkback series with a panel of experts who will discuss the various themes addressed in the play. The series is as follows:

Saturday, March 24 (Following the 2:00pm performance)

BROADWAY BOUND! - PRODUCING Neil Simon

Legendary Broadway producer Emanuel Azenberg discusses his long personal and professional relationship with Lost in Yonkersplaywright Neil Simon. Moderated by TACT Board Member, Billy DiMichele (Vice President, Scholastic Inc.)

Wednesday, March 28 (Following the 7:30pm performance)

COMING TO AMERICA

Dr. Frank Mecklenburg, Director of Research and Chief Archivist at the Leo Baeck Institute for German-Jewish History, part of New York’s Center for Jewish History, discusses the German-Jewish immigration experience from the turn of the century through WWII.Moderated by TACT Co-Dramaturg, Rachel Merrill Ross.

Saturday, April 7 (Following the 2:00pm performance)

NOT SO LOST IN YONKERS

Yonkers has a long and vibrant history, from its early beginnings as a farming community, to a bustling multi-cultural city. Join local historian Ed Dees, as he takes us on a tour across two centuries, and through the diverse communities of the fourth largest city in New York. Moderated by TACT Co-Dramaturg, Stephanie Walter.

Every Sunday Afternoon (Following the 2:00pm performance)

TALK TO TACT

Plays always have some kind of agenda – and playwright’s weave these agendas deep inside the text and conversation of their characters; why?  So that TACT can help you decode the hidden messages.  Please join us for an informal discussion with the cast and the director immediately following every 2:00pm Sunday matinee. 

The talk backs are free with the purchase of a ticket to Lost in Yonkers.  For those who have already seen the show but would like to attend one of these events, please call the TACT office at (212)645-8228 to make a reservation. Seating is limited and subject to availability. Programs and dates subject to change without notice. All speakers appearing are subject to availability. 

Performances of Lost in Yonkers began at Theatre Row’s Beckett Theatre (410 West 42^nd Street - between 9^th & 10^th Avenues) on Tuesday, March 13^th, 2012.   Opening night is Thursday, March 22^nd at 7:30pm. Performances will continue through Saturday, April 14^th. 

Lost in Yonkers will have the following performance schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 7:30pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 2pm. There will be a special matinee performance on Wednesday, April 4^th  at 2pm.  Tickets are $20 - $56.25 and will be available through TeleCharge - www.telecharge.com/(212) 239-6200. They will also be available at the Theatre Row box office (410 West 42^nd Street (between 9^th & 10^th Avenues) between 12pm and 6pm daily.