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THS play takes new approach

By Staff Report - | Feb 7, 2012

The Tonganoxie High School Drama Department will provide a change of pace from previous productions next week.

The department will stage Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers” Feb. 16-19. The first three performances will be at 7:30 p.m. The final performance, Sunday, Feb. 19, will start at 2 p.m. All performances will be in the Tonganoxie Performing Arts Center at THS.

Because of some strong language, the play is not recommended for children. According to technical director Steve Harrell, seating for the show will be limited to 130 people each night as the performance will be performed “in the round” with the audience seated on the stage. Tickets are $4 at the door.

“Lost in Yonkers” is Simon’s autobiographical account of his family’s life in Yonkers, N.Y., during the early 1940s. The story centers on two young brothers who must live with their grandmother, uncle and aunt while their dad is traveling throughout the South buying scrap metal in order to earn enough money to pay a large debt incurred from his wife’s long illness and subsequent death.

“The Pulitzer Prize-winning play combines the best of Simon’s comedy along with some terrific drama,” director Ken Church said.

Playing the part of the oldest boy, 15-year-old Jay Kurnitz, is senior Brady Field. His 13-year-old brother, Arty, is played by sophomore Thomas Fox. Playing the part of their father, Eddie Kurnitz, is senior Wes Williams. The part of the boys’ Aunt Bella Kurnitz, is double-cast, with junior Kelsi Briggs playing the part during two performances and sophomore Katie Schenk playing Bella in the other two. The part of the boys’ Aunt Gertrude Kurnitz is also double-cast, with sophomore Bonnie Monihan and freshman Lauren Harrell playing the part.

Rounding out the cast are senior Michael Christensen as Uncle Louie Kurnitz and junior Mallory Harrell as Grandma Kurnitz. The director’s assistant for “Lost in Yonkers” is junior Amy Wilkins. Helping with the production aspects of the show are the following THS students: Lauren Hughes, Taylor Clark, Samantha Jones, Quin Smith, Samantha White, Allie Irick, Danielle Irwin, Nathan Tuter, Paige Laurie and Megan Behm.