Lost in Yonkers

LOST IN YONKERS
by Neil Simon

This show is approximately 2 hours including a 10 minute intermission.

THE CAST (in order of appearance)
Jay - James Chapman
Artie - Oliver Miramontes
Eddie - Jim Martin
Bella - Erica Berger^
Grandma - Sallie Cooper
Louie - Daniel Charon
Gert - Karrie Ann Ogilvie

^Member, Wasatch Theatre Company Ensemble

THE CREW
Production Company - Wasatch Theatre Company
Director - Hugh Hanson
Stage Manager - Kodi Johnson
Costume Design - Camille Chapman
Lighting Design - Riley Merrill

Special Thanks: Salt Lake City Arts Council, Salt Lake County Arts and Culture, the Zoo Arts and Parks Initiative, Vestar and The Gateway, Bountiful High School Drama, Brigham City Fine Arts Center, Jayden Martin, Sweet Harmony Performing Arts Group

LOST IN YONKERS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com

Director's Note:
I was very excited to be asked to direct a play written by perhaps the most well-known American playwright, Neil Simon. Because of his ability to write funny conversations, and especially, funny arguments, I often have students work on scenes from his plays, such as The Odd Couple and Barefoot in the Park. His characters like to use humor to diffuse tension in difficult situations. The Kurnitz family in Lost in Yonkers is no exception; however, their difficulties reach levels Mr. Simon had not explored in his previous comedies. His efforts were well-rewarded in 1991. Lost in Yonkers won a Pulitzer Prize, a Tony for Best Play, and three of the actors won Tonys for their roles. It was made into a movie and Mercedes Ruehl added an Oscar to her Tony.

Lost in Yonkers is quite the play and it was Neil Simon’s last big Broadway hit. What a privilege to bring it to you with this great cast. And some of it can be uncomfortable to watch. In our first rehearsal, after discussing some of the tough aspects of the story, one of the actors asked, “Why would you want to do this play?” I responded that we should read it together and find out. In the first scene, after hearing Sallie read one of Grandma’s achingly powerful speeches, I said, “That’s why.” Beautifully written, beautifully spoken and hopefully, beautifully received by you. Thanks for coming.

Hugh Hanson is the Artistic Director of Wasatch Theatre Company. He has an MFA in Theatre Direction and is a member of the U of Utah Theatre Department faculty. Hugh was Artistic Director of Salt Lake Shakespeare for seven years, directing a show each year. Other credits include On Golden Pond and Craven for Wasatch Theatre Co, The Rainmaker at CenterPoint Legacy Theatre, Sweeney Todd at Heritage Theatre, The Full Monty at Ziegfeld Theater, The Curious Savage and Fiddler on the Roof at Terrace Plaza Playhouse, as well as many shows at the U of U, including All My Sons, The Pillowman, James and the Giant Peach, Hurlyburly and Baby With the Bathwater. He thanks Leslie for everything.

Erica Berger is thrilled to be back on stage after a year-long hiatus. She began working with Wasatch Theatre Company in 2024, appearing as Van’s Sister in Dog Sees God and playing Aunt Adelaide, Ruth, and various other roles in Freaks of the Cosmic Circus. Her other recent credits include Trish in Generation Red with Three Penny Theater. While Erica has always loved theater, she has only recently had the opportunity to pursue it and feels so honored to be given the opportunity to play Bella for this production! Thank you to my loved ones for their incredible encouragement and support!

James has been doing theatre ever since he can remember. His favorite roles are/but not limited to: Shrek in Shrek, Modern major General in Pirates of Penzance, Pumbaa in Lion King, and James in James and the Giant Peach. While he has done many musicals, Lost in Yonkers is his first non-musical. Theatre is one of his favorite things to do, but he enjoys other hobbies like building costumes, playing his ukulele, and going to the gym. James is excited to put on Lost in Yonkers and hopes you enjoy it!

Daniel Charon is delighted to be appearing in Lost in Yonkers. A longtime performer, choreographer, and director, he recently concluded a 12-year tenure as Artistic Director of Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. His work has included dance, theater, opera, and multimedia performance throughout the United States, and he continues to maintain an active freelance career as a choreographer, educator, and performer. He holds a BFA from the North Carolina School of the Arts and an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. Daniel is especially grateful for the opportunity to return to acting, collaborate with this wonderful community of artists, and share in the joy of live theater with audiences once again.

Sallie appeared most recently playing Mrs Graves in Enchanted April (Sugar Factory Playhouse), Dotty in Noises Off (Utah Grand Theatre), and Mattie Fay in August Osage County (Silver Summit Theatre). Other local roles include Mrs. Bumble in Oliver, Miss Pross in A Tale of Two Cities, Yente in Fiddler on the Roof, Mrs. Flannery in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Gay Wellington in You Can’t Take It With You at Hale Center Theatre. Her work at WTC includes Big Edie in Grey Gardens and Mrs. Gotleib in Dead Man's Cell Phone. She earned her BFA in theatre from the University of Utah.

Karrie Ann is excited to be working with Wasatch Theatre again. She last seen as Sonia in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Other Wasatch productions include Roadshow, The Real Inspector Hound, The Lesson, Lucky Stiff, As You Like It, Zorba!, All the World’s a Stage, and Hands Up. She has also performed at Hale Centre Theatre, Pinnacle Acting Theatre, Murray Amphitheatre, and Draper Historic Theatre. Some of her favorite roles include Lady Bracknell and Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest, Edith in Blithe Spirit, Miss Shields in A Christmas Story, Meg in Brigadoon, and Miss Tottendale in The Drowsy Chaperone. Directing credits include The Good Doctor, Working, All the World’s a Stage, and Oklahoma.

Jim Martin has an MFA in theatre arts from the University of Idaho at Moscow, where he continues to take classes to keep his knowledge and skills fresh. Jim started Wasatch in 1997 and continues as the Executive Director to this day. He isn't seen on stage as much as off stage but has some favorite roles: Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (twice!), Birdboot in The Real Inspector Hound (twice!), and a singing role with his best friend George Plautz in Forbidden Utah at the 2022 Fringe Festival. Jim dedicates this performance to his amazing 89 year-old dad (also named Jim), his son Jayden, his dog Chuck and his two cats Misty and Milo for all their sacrifices. Miss you Rosie.

Oliver is an inquisitive soul with a passion for learning how the world works. He has been having the time of his life in this production. Outside of acting, Oliver particularly enjoys reading, playing soccer, and doing anything with his siblings.

Camille is thrilled to be a part of this production. Along with costuming shows, she loves to camp, watch ghost hunting shows, play games, go thrift shopping and hang out with her awesome husband and 6 amazing children. She has loved working with this fabulous group of people and hopes you enjoy the show!

Riley Merrill is an SLC based freelance Lighting Designer working for local community theaters and dance companies. Recent work includes JAKS Theatre Company's Hadestown: Teen Edition. Recent hopes include lasagna for dinner. Recent nightmares include Susan, the mannequin secretly living in your basement.

WTC Board of Directors
Hugh Hanson
Jim Martin
Katie Smith
Phillip Vernon