Lost In Yonkers was published in 1991, at the time of the Gulf War, and is set in 1942, during World War II. Its message is certainly appropriate today. Eddie, a widower, has to abandon two beloved sons to his troubled mother in order to resolve debt during wartime.

The play is nothing but tension between comedy and tragedy. Neil Simon won the Pulitzer Prize for this, and Proctor Theater deserves one, too. Character development is deep, and provides humor where situations are nothing but tragic.

The audience identifies with children struggling with dysfunctional adults: a dad who is a pawn to loan sharks, two aunts with both physical and emotional problems (played with extraordinary dexterity!) and a small-time ganster uncle who almost steals the show: Uncle Louis.

Uncle Louis is an opposite to the boys' dad, whose impassioned, loving letters are read from a distance. The situation at the grandmother's home is constant angst, but the show is a triumph.

After the show, director Michael Littman huddles with the team.

We talk a lot about teams, particularly this week. If you've ever wished that your team had fans come out and cheer, come out Friday and Saturday night, and cheer on this team that pulled off this victory (while doing their afternoon activities). You'll appreciate it, and they'll appreciate it.

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