Lost in Yonkers at Scripps Ranch Theatre

May 19 - June 11, 2023

LOST IN presents

YONKERS

Fri & Sat 8pm • Sun 2pm Saturday Matinees: May 20 and June 10 at 2pm (no shows June 2 and 4)

by Neil Simon Directed by Jacquelyn Ritz

TICKETS: 858.395.0573 SCRIPPSRANCHTHEATRE.ORG NAME: ____________________

SRT IS A 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

SEATS: ____________________

Director’s Notes “…how sad and funny life is. I can’t think of a humorous situation that does not involve some pain. I used to ask, ‘What is a funny situation?’ Now I ask, ‘What is a sad situation and how can I tell it humorously?’”

-Neil Simon

As you journey through Yonkers tonight – meeting three generations of flawed and exuberant humans - we ask you to keep an open mind and an open heart. Doggedly hopeful, these so-andsos have gotten themselves in a world of trouble; sometimes as victims of their circumstances, sometimes through their own human folly.

And there’s the comedy – for what is comedy but an exposé of human folly? I promise you there will be bucket loads of human folly. And error. And forgiveness. And joy.

Sit back, I think you may recognize some folks you know – maybe even yourself. I know I did.

Jacquelyn Ritz A special thanks to Samantha Goldstein, our Dramaturg, and Nick Ritz Daugherty for his assistance. The information, insight and conversation they brought to the room enlightened and invigorated us. The Devil is in the details, (but they were both Angels).

A big shout out to Andrew and Rosemary at Clayton’s Coffee Shop in Coronado for hosting our pre-publicity photo shoot. What a difference a great shoot makes in this visual and digital age. They were very gracious.

Ruth Russell corralled a fantastic group of talented designers who created a living, breathing world in which these characters could play. Alyssa, Bob, Mashun, Dawn, John, it has been a joy and a gift to work with you all. We have an amazing team of can-doers on the board and on staff at SRT lead

by Artistic Director, Jill Drexler. Much thanks for keeping the arts alive in this Neck-of-the-Woods. You’ve built something to be proud of.

And Charmaine Reed, the Stage Manager extraordinaire. Her generosity knows no bounds.

Extra thanks to our volunteers and supporters: Neal Soderberg, Geoffrey Graeme, Holden Russell, Alyssa Anne Austin, Ken Jacques, Gwenmarie Hilleary, Hafsa Fathima, and Allan Salkin.

PHOTO: STEVE MURDOCK

DIRECTOR’S SPECIAL THANKS

May 19 – Jun 11, 2023

Saturday Matinees May 27 & Jun 10 at 2 pm!

In the Heart of Poway

13250 Poway Road 858-679-8085 Featuring

JARED KEIL KEVIN McGUINNESS

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE

www.PowPAC.org

SETTING

Yonkers, New York. 1942.

A note about money: $5,000 in 1942 is roughly equivalent to $95,000 today.

A movie ticket in 1942 cost 30 cents. A loaf of bread cost 9 cents.

The show will run approximately 2 hours, 15 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.

“Lost in Yonkers” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

BE CAREFUL, IT’S MY HEART - Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Used by Special Arrangement with Rodgers and Hammerstein: A Concord Company, on behalf of the Estate of Irving Berlin, www.irvingberlin.com.

JOIN US FOR SRT’S SPEAKEASY SOIRÉE a fundraiser to benefit SRT!

Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 5:30pm

at the home of SRT Executive Director, Casey Tibbitts This unforgettable event will feature entertainment from the “Queen of Boogie,” Sue Palmer, as well as dancing, a dinner reception and the opportunity to bid on incredible auction items. Proceeds from the event will ensure that SRT can continue bringing high quality theatre to life on stage.

BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE! Tickets are on sale now for $100 per person.

After June 1, the price will increase to $125 per person. Tickets can be purchased at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org.

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CAST JAY

Giovanny Diaz de Leon

ARTY

JP Wishchuk

EDDIE

Kenny Bordieri

BELLA

Katee Drysdale

GRANDMA KURNITZ

Jill Drexler

LOUIE

Eddy Lukovic

GERT

Melanie Mino

PRODUCTION TEAM DIRECTOR

Jacquelyn Ritz

PRODUCER

Ruth Russell

STAGE MANAGER

Charmaine Reed

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Cody Dupree

COSTUME DESIGN

Dawn Fuller-Korinek

SCENIC DESIGN & PAINTING, PROPS DESIGN, SET DRESSING

Alyssa Kane

SET CONSTRUCTION

John Owen

SOUND DESIGN

Robert May

LIGHTING DESIGN

Mashun Tucker

DRAMATURG

Samantha Goldstein

DIALECT COACH

David Huber

WIG DESIGN

Peter Herman

Photos by Ken Jacques 4

CAST Kenny Bordieri (Eddie) is a San Diego-based artist. He last appeared in SRT/ OTC’s co-production of Lucky Stiff as Vinnie. Regional credits include: All the Way as George Wallace, Mamma Mia! as Harry, and Clybourne Park as Tom/ Jim (Lyric Rep.); Deathtrap as Clifford (Oceanside Theatre Co.); Good People as Stevie (SRT); Accomplice as several characters, and more. Kenny was trained at the Pacific Conservatory theatre, and has a BFA in acting from Utah State University. Kenny is happy to be bringing this classic Neil Simon story to life with such a talented team of artists.

Giovanny Diaz de Leon (Jay). As a San Diego native, Giovanny has been working as an actor for the last few years. He is an alum of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (Class of ‘22) where he trained in Musical Theatre. He is extremely excited to be joining the cast of Lost In Yonkers and would like to thank his family, friends, mentors, and anyone he has had the pleasure to work with in the past for their continued love and support. Regional credits: New Village Arts: The Ferryman. CCAE Theatricals: Witnesses. San Diego Repertory Theatre: Hershey Felder Sings The Great American Songbook.

Jill Drexler (Grandma Kurnitz). Jill’s most recent stage credits at SRT: I Hate Hamlet and Move Over, Mrs. Markham. Other theatres in San Diego she has worked at include: Cygnet, North Coast Rep, Moxie, Backyard, Ion, Moonlight, Diversionary, and La Jolla Playhouse. She is the proud recipient of the Critics Circle award and is also proud to be the Artistic Director of SRT. She is joyful to be with the amazing cast, crew, designers and director of Lost in Yonkers, and she sends her personal thanks to all those in the audience for supporting live theatre.

Katee Drysdale (Bella) is a born-and-raised San Diego actor and holds a BA in Acting from Sonoma State University. She is grateful and thrilled to be returning to the SRT stage in this Neil Simon classic. Previous credits include: Patricia in The Taming (SRT), Kathleen in And Neither Have I Wings to Fly (SRT), Viola in Twelfth Night (SSU), and Melody in Bad Jews (Left Edge).

Eddy Lukovic (Louie). This is Eddy’s SRT debut! Recent acting credits include: Air Turbulence (PowPAC), Turning Off the Morning News (OnStage Playhouse), Dial M for Murder (Lamplighters Theater) and The Comedy of Errors (Coronado Playhouse). Eddy is a San Diego native who has trained extensively with SITI Company out of NYC. A big thank you to his family and friends for their love & support of his theatrical work.

Please turn off all cell phones and noise-making devices during the performance.

No photography or videography is allowed during the show. Thank you.

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CAST Melanie Mino (Gert) is a native San Diegan making her SRT debut. She was recently onstage as Christa in The Lobster Man (Trinity Theatre Co.), Margie in The 1940’s Radio Christmas Carol (PowPAC), and Saving Magdi (San Diego Memoir Writers Association). Other credits include: Jacqueline De Severec in Murder on the Nile and Maggie in another Neil Simon classic Jake’s Women.

Melanie has studied acting locally with Jacqueline Ritz, Justin Lang and Jo Anne Glover. When she is not performing, Melanie loves to cook, travel, sing and volunteer for a local Bichon Frise rescue organization. Check her out at melaniemino.com.

JP Wishchuk (Arty) is thrilled to be making his SRT debut! Some of his regional theater credits include: Boo Who and Danny Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Old Globe), Ralphie in Christmas Story, Fletcher in Freaky Friday (SDMT), Nigel in Matilda (Moonlight Stage Productions), Whiffle #2 in Cry-Baby, and Eddie in Mamma Mia (Coronado School of the Arts). JP thanks the SRT artistic team for this opportunity. He also thanks his teachers and family for their support. JP grew up in Scripps Ranch and is now a tenth grader attending Coronado School of the Arts, Musical Theater and Drama Conservatory.

THE PRODUCTION TEAM Jacquelyn Ritz (Director) is delighted to return to Scripps Ranch Theatre where she’s directed Accomplice, Communicating Doors, and And Neither Have I Wings to Fly, and assistant directed Crimes of the Heart. Jacquelyn also teaches the ongoing showcase class for professional actors at SRT called Acting with Jacquelyn Ritz. Other directing credits include: Dance of Death (Theatre Undone’s Reading Series), Assistant Director to Tom Markus on Laughter on the 23rd Floor (North Coast Repertory), the Fringe’s That 24 Hour Thing (2014-2016, 2018). Jacquelyn has been an acting coach, a fight director, a teacher, and mostly an actor for many years. She’s worked at La Jolla Playhouse (Baroness in LEMPICKA), North Coast Repertory (the title role in Annabella in July among many others), Intrepid, The Kennedy Center, Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory, Asolo Center for the Arts, Colorado Shakespeare and many more, working with and learning from world-famous Tony and Jeff Award-winning directors, including Rachel Chavkin, Hal Prince, Oscar Eustis, Rachel Rockwell, and Gabriel Barre. Jacquelyn is a member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. www.JacquelynRitzBiz.com Cody Dupree (Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to be back at Scripps Ranch Theatre and working alongside some of San Diego’s premier talent. Stepping into the role of ASM, Cody is looking forward to bringing his knowledge of the stage to support this amazing cast. Being a San Diego-based performer, Cody has worked at PowPAC, Lamplighters Theatre, and SRT both on and off-stage. You may have seen him recently flying high with Spirit Airlines in PowPac’s Air Turbulence but have no fear, the safety he brings to this show is sure to keep you from bouncing out of your seat. Break all the legs! YouTube/IG @CodesSD Dawn Fuller-Korinek (Costume Design) is delighted to return to SRT after her last opportunity to costume And Neither Have I Wings to Fly. Other SRT costume credits: She Loves Me, Fleming, For Better, Accomplice, and Out on a Limb 2017. For Oceanside Theater Company; Same Time Next Year and Red. Occasionally she has stepped in as prop mistress: Accomplice (SRT) and Red (OTC). Dawn has procured and designed costumes for over 135 productions, consisting of a wide range of professional, academia and dance theater performances. Prior to becoming a costumer, she was a menswear designer. Dawn is an alumna of FIT, NYC. 6

THE PRODUCTION TEAM Samantha Goldstein (Dramaturg) has a Ph.D. in Literature from UCSD on the history of Jewish humor through the lens of the Borscht Belt. She is also an actor and director, and her interest in dramaturgy combines her love of research, history, and all things related to theater. This is her fifth Neil Simon play—three as actor: Ethel Banks in Barefoot in the Park (Patio), Karen in Jake’s Women (PowPAC) and Cookie in Rumors (Star) and two as researcher: talkback moderator for Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Roustabouts) and this one! Thank you to Jackie and Ruth for the opportunity.

Alyssa Kane (Scenic Design & Painting, Props Design, Set Dressing) She/her/hers. Alyssa is SRT’s resident scenic designer. Some of her favorite past productions at SRT are The Outsider, I Hate Hamlet, and Move Over, Mrs. Markham. Other recent projects include scenic design for Ripped (Loud Fridge) and Yellow Wallpaper (Write Out Loud). Recent prop design projects include The Ferryman (New Village Arts), The Mystery of Irma Vep (Diversionary), and The Great Khan (SD Rep). Alyssa is an operational board member at SRT. She is also a performer and founding member of a burlesque and variety troupe in Southeast Alaska.

Robert May (Sound Design) is a freelance sound designer whose credits include, SRT: Love Song, Move Over, Mrs. Markham, Deathtrap, Blithe Spirit, and The Last Night of Ballyhoo; New Village Arts: The Miss Firecracker Contest; Portland Stage Company: Halpern and Johnson; North Coast Rep: The Rainmaker, The Last Five Years, Halpern and Johnson; Renaissance Theatre: The Gingerbread Lady, Shirley Valentine; Playwrights Project, and various productions at San Diego Junior Theatre. Robert is also an award-winning director and actor.

John Owen (Set Construction) is a retired construction superintendent. This is his first project with SRT and he’s pretty darn happy with the results. Thanks to Alyssa for her guidance and to Neal, Geoffrey, Holden and others who volunteered their time. In his free time, John enjoys helping friends and family with their home improvement projects and driving his buggy around the desert. Love and thanks to his wife, Diana.

Charmaine Reed (Stage Manager) is grateful to be with the awesome folks at SRT. Latest credits are SM for Lucky Stiff (SRT/OTC), The Taming (SRT), I Hate Hamlet (SRT). Other credits include PSM for the Playwrights Project Young Playwright’s Festival 2017, 2018, at The Old Globe Theatre. She has been SM for more than 20 productions since 2013. Favorite credits include Vanya, and Sonia and Masha and Spike (SRT), Amazons and Their Men (Diversionary), Intern, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Old Globe).

She has a Technical Theatre degree from Palomar College, and a BA from CSUSM. Ruth Russell (Producer) is SRT’s resident Producer. Producing credits include: The Dining Room, The Taming, The Outsider, Extreme Home Makeover, and Neat. Ruth studied acting at the University of St. Thomas and has trained locally with Jacqueline Ritz, Justin Lang and Jo Anne Glover. Ruth’s current acting project is Neil Simon’s Rose and Walsh at Point Loma Playhouse, running until June 4. Outside of theatre, Ruth is a communications professional and occasionally spends time with her husband and adorable dogs. IG: @yogafullyruth and @citydoggossd.

Mashun Tucker (Lighting Design) is an artist based in San Diego. He has worked with multiple companies in the area including Coronado Playhouse, Oceanside Theatre Company, San Diego Rep, New Village Arts and The Old Globe. He is excited to be working on his second Neil Simon piece while making his debut with Scripps Ranch Theatre.

GIVING BACK TO THE ARTS A law went into effect in 2020 (AB-5) that impacts the way theatres throughout California pay performers and production teams. As a result of this, plus inflation, our production costs have skyrocketed. Please consider making a donation or choose to sponsor one of our actors or crew members. Visit scrippsranchtheatre.org/donate for more information.

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S RT B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR TREASURER SECRETARY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PRODUCING DIRECTOR AUDIO SUPERVISOR

Casey Tibbitts George Moy Nick Torres, CPA Open Jill Drexler Barbara Barber Ted Leib

S R T B O A R D A S S O C I AT E S Anthony Hamm, Alyssa Kane, Kate Reynolds, Judy Splitgerber, Tom Splitgerber

S R T S TA F F

AUDITIONS & MARKETING MANAGER PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR PATRON SERVICES MANAGER GRAPHIC DESIGNER OPERATIONS MANAGER DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR YOUTH EDUCATION COORDINATOR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR PRODUCTION MANAGER (PRODUCER) LIGHTING TECH CONSULTANT

Cristyn Chandler Susan Clausen Dani DeCarlo Jacqueline Gregory Jerrica Ignacio Caitlyn McTaggart Ben Natkin Jerry Neimark Ruth Russell Mitchell Simkovsky

UP NEXT...

“A SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT” by Grant Gelvin June 12, 2023 at 7:30pm

San Diego Playwrights in conjunction with Scripps Ranch Theatre presents the Local Flavor Play Readings. An artist sets out to lure and humiliate a predatory painter. But what she lands is an old man who just desperately wants to be friends with her and her wife.

If persistence is the answer, he’s going to find a way. Suggested donation: $10 at the door.

YOUTH THEATRE CAMP: July 15 - August 12, 2023

Do you know a 10-12 year old looking for a fun summer activity? SRT is offering a 5-week theater workshop on Saturdays with veteran youth instructor Ben Natkin, where he’ll teach kids the fundamentals of performing and get them ready to step into the wonderful world of acting! No theater experience required. Students can expect to: play improv games, act out fun scenes, learn how to read scripts and prepare for auditions. They’ll feel more comfortable and confident expressing themselves both on and off stage.

Contact education@scrippsranchtheatre.org for more information.

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THANK YOU, SRT DONORS!

Your support makes our theater-making possible! We extend our sincere gratitude to all of our donors for their support and commitment to bringing high-quality productions to the SRT stage. It is the generosity of these individuals that allows SRT to continue bringing incredible performances and impactful outreach programs to our community. Visit scrippsranchtheatre.org/donate to donate. Thank you!

PRODUCTION ANGEL $5,000+

SUPPORTING PLAYER $250-$499

The City of San Diego

Scripps Ranch Dinner Theatre Group

Robert Kilian

Adele & Wally

Anne & Dave McClure

Richard & Berna Danziger Hilliard & Mary Ann Harper

DIRECTOR DEVOTEE $2,500-$4,999

Richard & Gail Harriss

“In Memory of Dr. Richard Gundry” (Phyllis Massino Gundry)

Kent Hildreth Phil Johnson Craig & Dianna Kelly

ACTING ENTHUSIAST $1,000-$2,499

Daniel McClellan

Scripps Ranch Welcome Club

Jay & Julie Sarno

The Samuel I. & John Henry Fox Founda-

Nancy Thompson

tion Alan Binks

COSTUME CAMEO $100-$249

Will & Lynn Cooper

Michael & Katie Acampora

Gigi Cramer

Michael & Arlene Bardin

Karyn Farr & Don Berkebile

Susan Boland

Darrell Mead

Kathy Brombacher

Tom & Judy Splitgerber

Bruce & Becky Carlquist

Bob & Ellen Svatos

Bill DeRisi

FD & Jacqueline Talbert

Donna Gangi Joan & Arnold Gass

CREW EXTRAORDINAIRE $500-$999

Thomas & Sharon Harpley

Brian & Kathy Allman

Ruby Moy

Wilma & F.R.George

Steven Oberman

Phil Nerhood

Dr. Fredrick Orton

June & Richard Nygaard

Jan Otis

Dr. Terry O’Donnell

Susan & Hugh Parsons

Russ & Lynn Owens

John & Arlene Sherwood

Lynn & Rick Parke

Doug & Bev Smay

Jane & Bob Petering

Sandy & Ollie Smoot

Jacqueline Ritz

Linda Vasconcellos

Marty & Allan Salkin

Maureen Wiskerchen

Paul Sodeman Jan Stormoren Bridgette & Ty Young SRT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

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Scripps Ranch Theatre would like to thank

CLAYTON’S COFFEE SHOP

for lending us their space and ice cream!

Director’s Notes “…how sad and funny life is. I can’t think of a humorous situation that does not involve some pain. I used to ask, ‘What is a funny situation?’ Now I ask, ‘What is a sad situation and how can I tell it humorously?’”

-Neil Simon

As you journey through Yonkers tonight – meeting three generations of flawed and exuberant humans - we ask you to keep an open mind and an open heart. Doggedly hopeful, these so-andsos have gotten themselves in a world of trouble; sometimes as victims of their circumstances, sometimes through their own human folly.

And there’s the comedy – for what is comedy but an exposé of human folly? I promise you there will be bucket loads of human folly. And error. And forgiveness. And joy.

Sit back, I think you may recognize some folks you know – maybe even yourself. I know I did.

Jacquelyn Ritz A special thanks to Samantha Goldstein, our Dramaturg, and Nick Ritz Daugherty for his assistance. The information, insight and conversation they brought to the room enlightened and invigorated us. The Devil is in the details, (but they were both Angels).

A big shout out to Andrew and Rosemary at Clayton’s Coffee Shop in Coronado for hosting our pre-publicity photo shoot. What a difference a great shoot makes in this visual and digital age. They were very gracious.

Ruth Russell corralled a fantastic group of talented designers who created a living, breathing world in which these characters could play. Alyssa, Bob, Mashun, Dawn, John, it has been a joy and a gift to work with you all. We have an amazing team of can-doers on the board and on staff at SRT lead

by Artistic Director, Jill Drexler. Much thanks for keeping the arts alive in this Neck-of-the-Woods. You’ve built something to be proud of.

And Charmaine Reed, the Stage Manager extraordinaire. Her generosity knows no bounds.

Extra thanks to our volunteers and supporters: Neal Soderberg, Geoffrey Graeme, Holden Russell, Alyssa Anne Austin, Ken Jacques, Gwenmarie Hilleary, Hafsa Fathima, and Allan Salkin.

PHOTO: STEVE MURDOCK

DIRECTOR’S SPECIAL THANKS

May 19 – Jun 11, 2023

Saturday Matinees May 27 & Jun 10 at 2 pm!

In the Heart of Poway

13250 Poway Road 858-679-8085 Featuring

JARED KEIL KEVIN McGUINNESS

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE

www.PowPAC.org

May 19 - June 11, 2023

LOST IN presents

YONKERS

Fri & Sat 8pm • Sun 2pm Saturday Matinees: May 20 and June 10 at 2pm (no shows June 2 and 4)

by Neil Simon Directed by Jacquelyn Ritz

TICKETS: 858.395.0573 SCRIPPSRANCHTHEATRE.ORG NAME: ____________________

SRT IS A 501(c)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

SEATS: ____________________