26 The Queens Courier • april 30, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ‘Lost in Yonkers’ finds laughs in Rockaway The ticket line snaked outside the theater and down the block for Sunday’s performance of playwright Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers.” The crowd filled the auditorium for Rockaway Theatre Company’s latest project. Director David Risley, who usually performs onstage, and producer Susan Jasper offer a crisp, well-timed comedy/drama with outstanding actors. The players deliver a compelling, compassionate interpretation of everyday hardships and heroics circa 1942. The story begins with Arty and Jay, who are teenage brothers forced into their grandmother’s care. Their widowed father Eddie, deeply in debt to a loan shark, must go on the road to repay his markers. Stranded under their cold, cruel grandma’s roof, the boys interact with childlike but loving Aunt Bella, dapper but dishonest Uncle Louie and sweet but timid Aunt Gert (Kimberly Simek). These likable but dysfunctional denizens of downtown Yonkers provide an outstanding example of family, family, family. Andrew Feldman as the youngest sibling steals the show with his incredibly well-placed physical and verbal reactions. His older brother Jay (Raimondo Graziano) is equally entertaining as he tries to rebel against grandma’s rigid rule. Aunt Bella, beautifully played by Lynda Browning, has spent her 35 years bent under grandma’s yoke but now is desperate to break free. Her honest emotions and deep affection are poignant and convincing. Playing the boys’ pop is Bob Alpert. He shines brightest in monologues where he bemoans southern and western food and phonics, especially when compared to his New York City sensibilities. Well done! Lost in Yonkers with Raimondo Graziano, Lynda Browning and Andrew Feldman. But who can fault Uncle Louie (Stephen Ryan)? He is a tough guy with a good heart and a strong love for his family. Yes, he may be just a little bit on the run from mobsters too. The common enemy is steely eyed, cold-hearted Grandma Kurnitz. She is portrayed with unsympathetic mastery by Susan Corning. Of course we learn the anguish that has triggered this callous attitude but Photo courtesy Norm Scott can we forgive her? Kudos to the creative backstage team including but not limited to Suzanne Riggs, Mia Melchiorri, Frank Caiati and dozens more. The show is on a limited run and is definitely not to be missed. For information on this and future productions, call 718-374-6400 or check their website at www.rockawaytheatrecompany. org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF BY CLIFF KASDEN GEORGE CLINTON TO PERFORM AS PART OF FREE SUMMER FESTIVAL AT QUEENSBRIDGE PARK BY CRISTABELLE TUMOLA ctumola@queenscourier.com/@CristabelleT SummerStage, the city’s largest performing arts festival, is marking its 30th anniversary with six-day mini festivals at eight local parks, including one on the Long Island City waterfront. Queensbridge Park, located along Vernon Boulevard adjacent to the Queensboro Bridge, will host the event from July 14 to 19, featuring the “godfather of funk” George Clinton, local musicians, dance, theater and more. “As an organization we are dedicated to working in traditionally underserved neighborhoods across the city,” said Heather Lubov, executive director of City Parks Foundation, which produces SummerStage. “By presenting artists and genres that reflect the cultures and communities in these parks, introducing disciplines such as dance or theater alongside musical performances, and providing all of this fantastic art free of charge, we are building new audiences and fostering a broader interest in the arts here in New York City.” The musical group Chi-Lites will be kicking off the Queensbridge Park festival at 7 p.m. on July 14. The group originated from the ’70s Chicago R&B scene, and in 2000 were inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. The following night, at 7 p.m., George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, will perform. Local flavor will come to the park on July 16 with Large Professor (LP) a hiphop songwriter, producer and DJ who comes from Flushing. Also performing that night is Marley Marl, a producer and DJ hailing from Queensbridge who has made a mark on the hip-hop world. On July 17 and 18, the festival will shift gears to theater on Friday night and dance the following evening, featuring several collaborative and creative performers. The final day of the festival will start with family-friendly programming from 4 to 7 p.m., including award-winning and critically-acclaimed jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, B-Love’s Hip Hop Jazzy Groove, and Karisma Jay and AbunDance. That night the festival will close with a performance by hip-hop artist Pete Rock and a screening of “Time Is Illmatic.” The feature-length documentary examines the making of rapper Nas’ 1994 debut album “Illmatic” and his development as an artist and his influences — including a visit to his childhood home in Queensbridge. SummerStage is also expanding its season to commemorate its 30th anniversary, from May 18 through Oct. 4, when it will offer more than 140 free music, dance, comedy, family and theater programs in 16 parks across all five boroughs. In Queens, there will also be SummerStage events at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Socrates Sculpture Park. As part of the World’s Fair Anniversary Festival at Flushing Meadows on June 7, starting at 4 p.m. there will be three musical performances as part of SummerStage by singer Charles Bradley and His Extraordinaires, Hollis Brown, a rock ‘n’ roll band formed by two Queens natives, and another Queens native, violinist Damien Escobar. Later in that month, on June 24, The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series featuring Kiri Deonarine, Ginger Costa-Jackson, John Moore and pianist Dan Saunders will come to Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City. For more info about SummerStage events, visit www.summer- Large Professor Photo courtesy of City Parks Foundation stage.org.
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