Large Audition Turnout for Fall Plays
by Caleb Haack
Auditions for Concordia’s fall play productions, Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon and an adaptation of Andrew Clements’s Frindle, took place on Aug. 31, with callbacks the next day.
Lost in Yonkers is the highlight of the fall theatre season. The production will show on November 6-7 and 13-15.
Lost in Yonkers is a dramatic comedy set in 1942 and features a cast of seven characters who make up three generations of one family. Each character’s personality is based on how he or she was raised. Much of the humor and drama of the play is caused by Grandma Kurnitz, the strict German grandmother.
“There are some serious issues—it could make you think and it could make you cry with some of the topics that are brought up when you realize how fractured the family is,” said Bryan Moore, Lost in Yonkers director and associate professor of communication & theatre.
Approximately 40 students auditioned.
“It’s very exciting to have the range of new and returning students,” Moore said. “The talent is great across the board. It made for difficult choices. I could have cast the show twice with all the talent.”
One of the challenges of the play is the range of ages the actors have to portray. However, Moore is optimistic about the energy and skill level of the cast, which includes freshman Kaleb Busche, sophomores Mark Esser, Tyler Raabe and Lindsey LaMountain, junior Emily Kollbaum, and senior Andrew Crist.
“This is a cast that has the willingness to explore and to investigate their character and challenge themselves to be able to present the emotions and mannerisms that each of these characters require,” Moore said.
“We’re excited about working through the rehearsal process to find the best way to show the relationships and the impact that they have on each other’s lives,” Moore said.
Moore encourages students to try out for productions and get involved in theatre. There are many ways to participate in Concordia’s theatre department beyond just acting. Students who are interested in theatre can contact Moore about joining Curtain Club.
