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Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 'Lost In Yonkers,' onstage at the Vilar Center Feb. 6
Editor's note: Director's Corner is a weekly column where Kris Sabel, who is in charge of cultural programming for the Vail Valley Foundation, gives his expert take on shows not to be missed at the Vilar Center for the Arts in Beaver Creek.
BEAVER CREEK - We have another great weekend coming up at the Vilar Center. The Mesa State College Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir play on Saturday night, with some of the finest musicians in the state taking the stage for only $20. On Monday night, see the hidden talents of the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School as they put on their annual variety show, "Talent Beyond the Slopes."
BEAVER CREEK - We have another great weekend coming up at the Vilar Center. The Mesa State College Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir play on Saturday night, with some of the finest musicians in the state taking the stage for only $20. On Monday night, see the hidden talents of the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School as they put on their annual variety show, "Talent Beyond the Slopes."
Today, though, I'd like to talk about why Neil Simon's "Lost In Yonkers" on Feb. 6. It's a show not to be missed.
It's uncommon to see a truly funny and heartfelt story come to life in person these days - with all the thrilling action and reality entertainment available on TV, we rarely leave home. The ability to sit in a theater and laugh along with other audience members at the foibles of well-defined characters is a tonic for the soul. Or maybe it's just a way to warm our hearts on a cold winter night. One show that is sure to have that wonderful effect on an audience is Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Lost In Yonkers."
"Yonkers" is the story of two young brothers who come to live with their strict German grandmother during World War II. While awaiting the return of their father, the boys wrestle to contain their fiery wit as a host of eccentric relatives enter their lives. Simon's heartfelt tale of a dysfunctional family in 1940s New York features unforgettable characters - a mobster uncle, a childlike aunt and an overbearing grandmother - each one more peculiar and fascinating than the next.
This cast of characters is truly brought to life through Simon's unparalleled talent as a playwright. With a career spanning half a century, highlighted by more Academy Award and Tony nominations than any other writer in history, Simon is arguably the world's most successful living playwright. He is also considered to be one of America's funniest and best-loved writers. With more than 30 Broadway productions in all, he is the only author to have four shows on Broadway at one time. Simon's genius is his ability to explore the human condition through laughter. He once said: "The way I see things, life is both sad and funny ... I used to ask myself, 'What is a humorous situation?' Now I ask, 'What is a sad situation, and how can I tell it humorously?'"
It's uncommon to see a truly funny and heartfelt story come to life in person these days - with all the thrilling action and reality entertainment available on TV, we rarely leave home. The ability to sit in a theater and laugh along with other audience members at the foibles of well-defined characters is a tonic for the soul. Or maybe it's just a way to warm our hearts on a cold winter night. One show that is sure to have that wonderful effect on an audience is Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Lost In Yonkers."
"Yonkers" is the story of two young brothers who come to live with their strict German grandmother during World War II. While awaiting the return of their father, the boys wrestle to contain their fiery wit as a host of eccentric relatives enter their lives. Simon's heartfelt tale of a dysfunctional family in 1940s New York features unforgettable characters - a mobster uncle, a childlike aunt and an overbearing grandmother - each one more peculiar and fascinating than the next.
This cast of characters is truly brought to life through Simon's unparalleled talent as a playwright. With a career spanning half a century, highlighted by more Academy Award and Tony nominations than any other writer in history, Simon is arguably the world's most successful living playwright. He is also considered to be one of America's funniest and best-loved writers. With more than 30 Broadway productions in all, he is the only author to have four shows on Broadway at one time. Simon's genius is his ability to explore the human condition through laughter. He once said: "The way I see things, life is both sad and funny ... I used to ask myself, 'What is a humorous situation?' Now I ask, 'What is a sad situation, and how can I tell it humorously?'"
His humanity, understanding of wisdom and good humor are what mark Simon as a master playwright and allow him to speak to such a broad audience.
Each year since 1999, the Vilar Center has been fortunate to present the Montana Repertory Theater, which specializes in bringing new life to the classics of the American stage. Directed by Kara-Lynn Vaeni, a graduate of the Yale School of Drama, the cast of seasoned actors is sure to wow. Each year I am amazed by the quality of the talent and production - last season's production of "A Trip to Bountiful" was as excellent a theater experience as anyone could ask for. This production of "Lost In Yonkers" is suitable for older children, as the film version was rated PG.
The evening begins with a discussion with the cast, led by yours truly. I recommend this performance as a great opportunity to laugh and enjoy live theater - and it will certainly leave you with something to talk about.
Each year since 1999, the Vilar Center has been fortunate to present the Montana Repertory Theater, which specializes in bringing new life to the classics of the American stage. Directed by Kara-Lynn Vaeni, a graduate of the Yale School of Drama, the cast of seasoned actors is sure to wow. Each year I am amazed by the quality of the talent and production - last season's production of "A Trip to Bountiful" was as excellent a theater experience as anyone could ask for. This production of "Lost In Yonkers" is suitable for older children, as the film version was rated PG.
The evening begins with a discussion with the cast, led by yours truly. I recommend this performance as a great opportunity to laugh and enjoy live theater - and it will certainly leave you with something to talk about.
