‘Lost in Yonkers’ challenge those involved, including visiting actors

By Gus Bode

Directing one of Neil Simon’s most unique plays, Lost In Yonkers, has proved to be a challenging experience for director Christian H. Moe.

It is one of Simon’s most distinct plays, Moe, professor of theater at SIUC, said.

Yonkers, which opens this weekend at McLeod Theater, is the second in the theater’s Summer Production Series. Lost in Yonkers is the story of two brothers, Artie and Jay, who have to go live with their grandmother. Through many trials and turbulations, the two come of age under the guidance of their hard-nosed grandmother.

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Moe, who has directed more than 70 productions, said one of reasons the play is going so well is because SIUC has the ability to recruit actors from places other than SIUC.

It gives us experience with other performers that we do not usually have during the school year, he said. We get some very talented actors, and it also gives the audience a peek at some new faces.

Carrie Certa, Yonkers stage director, said the cast has made the production experience easy and enjoyable for her.

I have never had a cast that has worked together so well, she said.

James E. Owen, who plays Eddie, said the reason he likes Yonkers is because of the

see YONKERS, page 6

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