'Lost in Yonkers' opens on VPA stage

WASILLA -- Valley Performing Arts returns to a favorite playwright's work beginning today when "Lost in Yonkers" by Neil Simon debuts at 8 p.m. at Machetanz Theatre.

The comedy about two young men growing up in New York City won the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for drama.

"Most of Neil Simon's plays are somewhat autobiographical and this one draws on his experiences," said John Fairfield, VPA managing producer. "Anyone in high school or above would enjoy it."

The play includes a mix of new faces and familiar VPA actors.

"One of the new people is a local dentist, Kevin Cochran, who plays the dad in this family," Fairfield said. "The other new one is a fellow named Ben Fauske, a Wasilla High School senior and a very talented young man. He plays one of the two boys."

Returning after previous VPA roles are Mark Hermon, who plays the other boy, and Tami Shelton playing Aunt Bella.

Fairfield describes Shelton's character as "a young unmarried lady who's half a bubble off center."

He added that Shelton does a wonderful portrayal of Aunt Bella. Shelton previously acted in "Murder After Hours" and "An Ideal Husband."

The story revolves around brothers Arty and Jay Kurnitz, who don't quite know what to make of their offbeat family. They know their grandma is old-world and domineering and their dad gets pushed around a lot -- mostly by Grandma.

Aunt Gert and Aunt Bella are the resident eccentrics and Uncle Louie is on the lam because someone is chasing him. Together, they try to find meaning in their day-to-day existence.

The VPA cast is returning to a Simon play for the first time since "Biloxi Blues" in 1997, Fairfield said.

"He's a prolific writer so he's got lots of material," he said. "We do one every few years."

The company presented "Brighton Beach Memoirs" in 1994 and plans to do "Sweet Charity" next fall.

Performances of "Lost in Yonkers" will be held at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays from today through March 7. Machetanz Theatre is located at 251 West Swanson Ave. in Wasilla. Tickets are available through Carrs Tix, Tickets.com or from the VPA box office at 373-0195.

'Wolf' sets VPA attendance record

Valley Performing Arts' traveling children's production, "Once Upon a Wolf," set attendance records during its recent run in the Valley but the play isn't over yet. Now it's time for Anchorage audiences to enjoy the humorous piece, with a number of appearances slated there through the end of February.

More than 5,000 children from kindergarten through fifth-grade saw "Once Upon a Wolf" in school gymnasiums across the Mat-Su during the past three weeks. It was the most patrons ever to see a VPA show.

Four adults presented an hour-long composite of several familiar fairy tales. The cast consisted of Larry Bottjen, Rachel Underwood, Dara Butcher and Eric Behm, who took audience members on a tour of "Little Red Riding Hood," "Goldilocks," "Jack and the Beanstalk," and other classics with a little twist and a humorous touch.

"This show is an absolute hoot from beginning to end," said Bottjen, who served as director as well as actor. "There's humor everywhere, and the kids just never stop laughing. After 27 years in the theater this has been the most fun of anything I've ever done."

John Fairfield, VPA's managing producer, expressed happiness with the outcome of the company's first show designed to go on the road.

"We do well in the Machetanz Theatre, but this method of accomplishing our mission has a higher potential reaching large numbers of people because we aren't limited to a 171-seat venue."

'Of Mice and Men' auditions set

WASILLA -- Auditions for parts in John Steinbeck's classic American drama "Of Mice and Men" will be held March 27 at Machetanz Theatre, 251 West Swanson Ave. Valley Performing Arts will present the play April 30 through May 23.

Director Larry Bottjen needs several male actors between the ages of 20 and 70, one woman in her 20s, and one African American man from 30 to 40. Performances will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays throughout the run.

Meanwhile, preparation continues for VPA's annual children's play, "Toad of Toad Hall." First read-through for the adaptation of "Wind in the Willows" was held Jan. 30, said director Judy Dossett.

The play will be presented March 26 to April 11.

The cast includes Sarah Hendricks as Toad: Mark Hermon as Badger; Daria Preston, Ratty; Joseph Meyers, Mole; Tara Murray, Alfred/policeman; Rachel Foster, usher/Phoebe; Chelsea Jones, aunt/gaoler; Dillon Williams, judge; John Morgan, Chief Weasel; Jacquie Lutz, Chief Stoat; and Lauren Gette-King, Chief Ferret.

Wild wooders will be played by Mollie Whipple, Melody Mileur, Sara Cannon, Gunner Williams, Courtney Lauer, Jamie Downey, Madeline Mansavage and Payton McCann.