Barrington Stage Company, Pittsfield, MA
through August 1, 2015
by Jarice Hanson
Barrington Stage is rapidly becoming the place where
audiences find intelligent interpretations of shows they may think they already
know. Barrington’s production of "Lost in Yonkers" breathes new life
into one of the most familiar of Neil Simon’s work.
Director Jenn Thompson has found the beauty of the original
writing and has trusted an exceptional cast to deliver the heart and pain that
portrays three generations of a family. This production makes the audience
members realize what a craftsman Simon is, and how his words are timeless when
actors fully commit to the script. Too often this playwright's works are
delivered at rapid pace while actors reach for the laugh lines. But in this
production the pacing is slower, and as a result, the lines have far more
potency. What emerges is a sense of what family is, and what we most remember
about our own family relationships.
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| Photo by Kevin Sprague |
There’s not a single weak member of the cast, but special
mention should be made of Lynn Cohen in her portrayal of Grandma Kurnitz, a
mean spirited matriarch who “could tell if there was salt missing from a
pretzel.” Paula Jon Derose as Bella captures the naiveté and awkwardness of a
girl destined to always be child-like; and the boys, portrayed by Matt Gumley
as Jay, and Jake Giordano as Arty, steal scenes and work together like veteran
stage pros.
This "Lost in Yonkers" is deeper and more
meaningful than any of the five (yes, five) previous productions this reviewer
has seen, and it sets a new standard for finding life in older scripts that
some have deemed “of their time.” Apparently, the audience agreed as they
leaped to their feet in a standing ovation to honor the actors in this
wonderful production. For those who don't necessarily enjoy Neil Simon, or
think they can’t find something new in his work, they will not be disappointed
by this loving offering of a classic tale from Barrington Stage.
