Hartford Stage’s production of Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon is set in and around 1942 Brooklyn, where two young German Jewish kids named Jay (Hayden Bercy) and Arty (Gabriel Amoroso) have to stay for 10 months with their steel hearted Grandma Kurnitz (co-director Marsha Mason) and their soft, spirited Aunt Bella (Andrea Syglowski). Their father, Eddie (Jeff Skowron), has to take a job as a traveling salesman to pay off his dead wife’s medical expenses and in the meantime, his children try to survive the dysfunctionality of the Kurnitz family. The direction by Marsha Mason and Rachel Alderman elevates Simon’s dramatic comedy with acting performances that truly capture this show’s beating, bleeding heart about familial love and the inherent strength of human nature.
The lifeline of the entire show was the stellar performance by Syglowski as Bella. Her portrayal of a woman stuck between the forked road of childhood and adulthood was expertly done and with such nuance that it’s worth seeing the show for her performance alone. Her tightrope walking performance that perfectly balances tragedy with comedy is the very blood that pumps through the heart of this show. Another worthy performance was from Skowron who portrays a kind, empathetic, and selfless father that has the same perseverance as Grandma Kurnitz, but with all the love she never outwardly showed to her family. And Marsha Mason’s execution as Grandma Kurnitz is delivered with such grit and steel that when she lets go of her tough facade in very few moments, it truly pierces your soul. Lastly, Bercy and Amoroso play a wonderful comedic duo that capture the hilarious innocence of childhood with performances that were extremely impressive to witness.
The cozy apartment setting by scenic designer Lauren Halpern in combination with Aja M. Jackson’s warm lighting beautifully contrasted with Grandma Kurnitz’s coldness and gave the stage some ironic character. Although the set wasn’t the star of the show, in combination with An-Lin Dauber’s time period accurate costumes, it was immersive enough that it elevated the acting to its highest potential. The set also included a huge neon sign that advertised Grandma Kurnitz’s candy store below the apartment, however, I found that it wasn’t properly used and stuck out like a sore thumb when compared to the subtle performances by the actors.
Lost in Yonkers was a truly powerful theatrical experience with an innate humanity that will surely move you to both laughter and tears. Mason and Alderman give justice to Neil Simon’s best play and make the stage feel alive with his witty banter and heart wrenching monologues about family, love, and the human will to live.
Lost In Yonkers continues at Hartford Stage until May 1st. For ticket reservation or further information visit www.hartfordstage.org.
