Civic Finds Heart Of ‘Yonkers’ Smart Directing, Fine Performances And Cozy Theater Show Why Simon Play Is A Prize Winner

There’s no mistaking a play that clicks.

The laughter explodes; the applause is hearty and without hesitation. You can see it in the body language of the audience: attentive, leaning forward, intent on picking up every word and every nuance.

“Lost in Yonkers” clicks and there’s no mistaking why. First of all, it is Neil Simon’s best play, both funny and intensely moving (his “Glass Menagerie,” as some have called it). Also, director Susan Smith clearly understands this play; there are no false notes. Finally, the entire play hinges on the character of Bella, a partially retarded woman, and Pat Sibley delivers a flawless, nearly virtuoso, performance.

This Civic production is technically an amateur production but it is actually superior in significant ways to the Broadway touring version of “Lost in Yonkers.” I came out of that one not totally certain why this play won the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1991.

I came out of the Civic version with no doubts whatsoever.

First of all, the Civic’s cozy 360-seat space is just the right size for this domestic drama (it lost all of its intimacy in the Opera House). Second, the set by Peter Hardie and Nik Adams is superior. Finally, Sibley and several other important cast members are at least equal to, and maybe better than, those in the tour.

Sibley plays Bella without a trace of condescension. She gives her a childlike charm (think of Swoosie Kurtz) yet she never loses sight of the grown up woman inside. Her timing, the shades of nuance in her voice, are impeccable. She delivers even her most confused lines without affectation or phony comic spin, yet they easily get huge laughs. That’s because we understand, and believe in the character.

Her big speech, in which she tearfully explains her desire to have babies, and “to love something that will love me back,” was no less than stunning.

These yearnings are exactly what the play is about, even though it is ostensibly about two boys who go to live with their tyrannical grandmother during World War II.

This production is also blessed with an excellent performance by Marianne McLaughlin as Grandma Kurtz, and a remarkably strong and assured performance by Ben Crotty as the older boy, Jay.

Both brought a tremendous amount of understanding to their parts, and both have the technical acting skills to deliver it.

The entire cast contributes to this play’s success: Jamie Flanery as a particularly lovable gangster named Louie; Terry Sticka as the conflicted dad; Jeremy McGrath as the plucky younger brother; Melody Deatherage as the neurotic Gert.

This kind of quality can only come with intelligent direction. Director Smith must have a particular affinity for this play and these themes. How else can you produce work of this quality?

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: “LOST IN YONKERS” Friday, Jan. 12, at the Spokane Civic Theatre Continues through Feb. 3. Call 325-2507.