Guy Challen, Luke David Hamilton and Peter Fuller rehearse a scene for the Theatre Group at SBCC’s production of Neil Simon’s ‘Lost in Yonkers.’ (Ben Crop photo)
Guy Challen, Luke David Hamilton and Peter Fuller rehearse a scene for the Theatre Group at SBCC’s production of Neil Simon’s ‘Lost in Yonkers.’ (Ben Crop photo)

The Theatre Group at SBCC continues its 2024-25 season with Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers,” directed by Jonathan Fox, Oct. 9-26 in the Garvin Theatre on SBCC’s West Campus.

Considered by many to be playwright Neil Simon’s greatest work, “Lost in Yonkers” is a memory play set in Yonkers, New York, in 1942. 

It tells the story of two boys Jay Kurnitz, 15, and his brother Arty, 13, who are suddenly forced to move in with their strict grandmother and an assortment of quirky and mysterious relatives.

As the two struggle to adapt in the strange new world of Yonkers, secrets emerge, adventures ensue and the boys experience a life they never dreamed possible. Infused with the love of family and a deep understanding of human relationships, the play is by turns hilarious and heartbreaking.

The “Lost in Yonkers” cast at SBCC will feature: Leesa Beck, Robert Moris Castillo, Guy Challen, Peter Fuller, Luke David Hamilton, Jenna Scanlon and Leslie Ann Story.

Production staff includes director Fox; Patricia L. Frank, scenic/lighting designer; Pamela Shaw, costume designer; Barbara Hirst, sound designer; and Nina Steele, stage manager.

American playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon (1927-2018) is widely regarded as one of the most successful, prolific and performed playwrights in theater history.

In addition to “Lost In Yonkers,” which won a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize, his numerous plays and musicals include “Come Blow Your Horn,” “Little Me,” “Barefoot in the Park,” “The Odd Couple,” “Sweet Charity,” and “The Sunshine Boys.”

Simon received more Academy and Tony nominations than any other writer. Awards he received include the Pulitzer Prize for “Lost In Yonkers,” Emmy Awards for “The Sid Caesar Show” and “The Phil Silvers Show,” Tony Awards for “The Odd Couple,” “Biloxi Blues,” “Lost In Yonkers,” and a special Tony Award For Overall Contribution To The Theatre.

Performance times at SBCC are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, with previews at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-10.

The 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 performance will be live-captioned for those who need hearing assistance.

For tickets call the Box Office, 805-965-5935 or visit www.theatregroupsbcc.com.