“Lost In Yonkers” by Neil Simon
Directed by Jeff Jeffers
Performance Dates – March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22.
In Person Audition Date – Saturday, January 10
Video Submission Deadline – Thursday, January 8
Pulitzer Prize winning Dramatic Comedy set in the early 1940’s, Yonkers, New York. All characters, with the exception of Grandma Kurnitz will be expected to employ the appropriate dialect (1940’s Yonkers, New York) and showing that ability in the audition would be helpful. Although there is no singing, dynamic vocal projection and articulation skills are highly preferred, as microphones will not be utilized. In-person auditions will take place between 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, January 10, and prepared sides will be used. To sign up for an audition slot, click HERE. You can find the sides for each character HERE. If not able to attend in person, video submissions will be accepted with a deadline of Thursday, January 8. For video submissions, please choose the side(s) for the role(s) you are interested in, and include a headshot and performance resume in the email. Unlisted or private Youtube links are preferable, but videos from phones or cameras are acceptable, if they are not “too large” for email. Please email video submissions to plays@bastropoperahouse.org by the deadline.
Casting will be announced no later than Thursday, January 16. Rehearsals will “officially” begin on February 2 and generally be weeknights but depending on availability, some weekend sessions might be necessary. This show is heavy with dialogue and actors will be strongly encouraged to utilize various “line-learning” apps and be “off book” as quickly as possible. While conflicts can be worked around, all actors will be expected to attend every rehearsal during “Tech Week” and obviously all performances.
**ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE**
Bella - Plays mid to late 30s. Pretty and amiable, but cognitively challenged, often forgetful and child-like. However, she is capable and even astute in some areas. Emotionally and viscerally vulnerable. Vocally dynamic. Emotionally challenging but extremely rewarding role.
Jay - Plays early to mid-teens. Artie’s older brother (by 2 years) so a bit more mature, but still a teenager. Typical kid dealing with non-typical situations and family. Quick-witted and a bit defiant. Dialogue delivery, comedic timing and projection are key.
Artie - Plays early teens. Jay’s younger brother - slightly less mature but also quick witted and a bit defiant. Typical young teen in a non-typical environment. Strong dialogue delivery (projection) and comedic timing are necessary.
Grandma Kurnitz - Plays 60 to 80. No-nonsense, hard as steel German lady. Mother of six and grandmother to Jay and Artie. Calloused by a difficult life, she is very much in the “tough love” camp when raising children/grandchildren. Will require a German accent (a little Jewish a plus but not as important). Vocally dynamic, walks with a cane and knows how to use it.
Eddie - Plays 35-50. Jay and Artie’s father. Widower. Has to go on the road for work for a year and needs the boys to live with Grandma while away. A hard-worker and a loving father, but can be quite sensitive and emotional.
Louie - Plays 35-50. Brother to Eddie, Bella, and Gert, “Uncle Louie” is a “bagman” for the mob. He is in some sort of trouble and stays with the family for a week. A bit “larger than life,” he has a great sense of humor but also a dangerous dark side. The more stereotypical “old-school gangster” the better. James Cagney/Humphrey Bogart persona.
Gertrude - Plays 35-50. “Aunt Gert” has a condition in which, when nervous or excited, breathes-in while finishing sentences (or at least “seems” that way to the audience, as it is more important to understand the words she is saying than to actually be “breathing-in.”) She acts as a referee between family members. Due to her limited role in the play, the rehearsal commitment for this actor will be substantially less and will not be “called” as often as the others.
