Proctor's Performing Arts Department is thrilled to present Lost in Yonkers as its fall play production. Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama explores the complexities of family dynamics and resilience, focusing on two young brothers navigating life with their stern grandmother in 1942 in Yonkers, New York. When their father must leave to work as a traveling salesman to pay off medical debts from their mother's illness, Jay and Arty find themselves learning to adapt to life under their grandmother's strict roof.
The cast and crew have been working diligently over the past two months to prepare for the show under the direction of Charley Stern '09. In his director's note, Charley shares: "At its core, this play explores resilience, love, and the intergenerational scars we inherit and work to overcome. Simon's writing balances humor and heartbreak, creating characters who are funny, flawed, and achingly real."
Charley adds, “Proctor is a community that celebrates relationships and believes deeply in working through life’s challenging moments together. As we come to better understand ourselves and those around us, this story resonates deeply. It is a reminder that underneath every person is a history and within every family is the hope of connection.”
He continues, “In a world that so often feels divided, this play invites us to pause, laugh, and reflect on what it means to be human, to love imperfectly, and to strive for understanding. My hope is that this production will spark conversations about resilience, empathy, and the power of family – both the ones we are born into and the ones we create for ourselves.”
The cast includes Aidan ’25 playing Jay, Ember ’28 plays Arty, Ozzy ’26 plays Bella, Annika ’25 plays Louie, and Will S. ’27 plays Bert. This cast also features faculty members Lynne Bartlett as Grandma Kurnitz and Charley Stern as Eddie.
Behind the scenes, the production comes to life through the dedicated work of our technical team. Each aspect has been thoughtfully crafted to transport audiences to 1942 Yonkers. The Drama Tech crew features Kam Huang running the lightboard, while Meg K. ’26 serves as “Technical Theater Swiss Army Knife,” adapting to whatever each moment demands. Htet ’27 and Isabella ’27 round out our skilled student technical team, ensuring seamless transitions and operations throughout the show. Costume Designer Joan Sunders and her student team of Lee ’25 and Penny ’27 have created a wardrobe that captures both the era and each character's personality.
Under the guidance of Set Designer and Builder Jeffrey Prado, the meticulously designed set transforms the Norris Family Theater into Grandma Kurnitz's apartment above her candy store, with details that ground the audience in both time and place. The show's professional sound design, engineered by Seth Currier, weaves together period music and ambient elements that enhance the experience, and Jen Summers' lighting design articulates both the passage of time and the emotional landscape of each scene.
We hope to see you in the Norris Family Theater on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM to see Lost in Yonkers. Be sure to come out to enjoy the show this weekend to see the hard work of the cast and crew and enjoy a humorous exploration of family, resilience, and the search for understanding across generations.
Reserve Free Tickets Here!
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