WE’RE BACK!!!
This hit Broadway production is set in Yonkers in 1942. Bella is thirty-five years old, mentally challenged, and living at home with her mother. As the play opens, ne’er-do-well son Eddie deposits his two young sons on their doorstep. Financially strapped, he is taking to the road as a salesman. The boys are left to contend with Grandma, Bella and her secret romance, Louie, her brother, a small-time hoodlum, and Gert, the sister with a breathing issue.
LOCATION:
Click HERE for the location of Lakeside Academy
DATES:
Thursday November 10 @ 7:30PM (stick around after the show and meet the cast and crew and enjoy munchies and a glass of wine)
Friday November 11 @ 8:00PM
Saturday November 12 @ 8:00PM
Sunday Matinee November 13 @ 2:00PM
Thursday November 17 @ 7:30PM (*note the earlier time)
Friday November 18 @ 8:00PM
Saturday Matinee November 19 @ 2:00PM
Saturday November 19 @ 8:00PM
TICKETS:
Click HERE for tickets
*** Please click on the “+” to open the bio you’d like to view ***
THE DIRECTOR
Donna BYRNE – Director
Donna has directed over 50 one-act and mainstage plays including 3 META nominated productions – One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest by Dale Wasserman adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey and including The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald adapted by Simon Levy produced by Hudson Players Club and The Miracle Worker by William Gibson, a Lakeshore Players Dorval production. Donna’s first directorial collaboration with Lakeshore Players Dorval was Having Hope at Home by Davis S. Craig 2010. Most recently, The Heart of a Pearl by Harry Fox 2022, Love Potion 2018 and Meditations of Guido Kowalski 2017 written by Irene Saharov for the Montreal Fringe Festival, Always A Bridesmaid by Jones, Hope, Wooten and Waiting for the Parade by John Murrell, produced by Stone Soup Productions where she was co-founder and Artistic Director for two years. The Widow Schwartz, written and directed by Donna, produced by Hudson Players Club in 2012. Assistant Director, The Carpenter by V.Rossi 2007 Centaur and directing in Lakeshore Players Dorval Staged Play Readings of Original Works Festival 2017, 2018. She was especially honoured to be invited to direct a stage reading of BILL W. AND DR. BOB by Samuel Shem & Janet Surrey at McGill University 3rd International Congress on Whole Person Care, November 2019
Donna is a professional actor, full member of Actra and member of Playwrights Guild of Canada. Film credits include; LOTTO MAX as Mona (tv commercial). Paradigm Studios (catch it on YouTube) episode: Evil Nurse Gets Caught Bullying Elderly Woman in the role as Mrs. Charlie, Seamless Journey (Picci Prod.) as Mrs. Bailey, Mate and Date (Picci Prod.) in the role as Doris, Fatal Vows (CMJ) as Barbra Brown in season 6, Actor role in Art of More (tv series Muse), Court Clerk in 19-TWO (tv series,), Neighbour in Game On (YTV), Betty Bailey (CMJ Production) Fatal Vows season 3 , Bobbi Jo Williams in Inheriting Trouble (Investigation Discovery Channel), Donna in Blue Mountain State (Lionsgate/Varsity). Funkytown (feature film) as Snobby Cashier.
Screenplays written and directed by her include; Help Wanted (An Orkville Production) other shorts include, Confessions, Chilli Night, Hospitality, Nowhere.
Theatre roles include; Orkville (written/produced by Donna), Galileo, Sins of the Mother, Peter Pan, California Suite.
Training with Ron Leach, Shimon Aviel, John Strasberg, Gordon McCall, Amy Jo Berman (webinar classes) Bob Verniks, Heather Markgraf, Matthew Tiffin, Rea Nolan and Sam Chwat, Dale Hayes, for acting on camera, theatre, voice, accents, directing, etc.
Donna is founder of The Moonlighters and performs with her troupe at Senior Citizen Residences.
Bellini Talent International Agency represents Donna for all tv/film work. She currently works with Hudson Productions. Donna enjoys a full creative spectrum of acting, directing and writing. She is an animal rights activist and Vegan since 2018, she is currently working on a project to bring awareness to the voiceless animals who suffer greatly in the hands of so many industries.
THE CAST
This is Bianca’s first time performing with Lakeshore Players Dorval, and she is thrilled to be a part of this Neil Simon classic. She first stepped on stage at Villa Maria High School in performances of Our Town and It’s All Greek to Me. Bianca is relatively new to community theatre and when she is not trying to stuff her hair into a bald cap, she studies nursing at McGill University. She would like to thank the amazing cast and crew, and hopes you enjoy this charming production as much as she does. This is Eric’s sixth time on the main stage with Lakeshore Players Dorval (Bedtime Stories, The Cat’s Meow, Not Now Darling, The Inspector General, Comedy of Tenors) and the second time with his lovely wife Charyl. He has also been seen in over ten Murder Mystery Dinners at Dorval Strathmore United Church. Eric has also been involved in countless productions as Sound Designer and/or Sound Board Operator. He is thrilled to be working with Donna Byrne and to be part of this great cast. Rehearsals for this play added an extra challenge since he had to play the role of a coat rack. Well done Eric, we knew you had it in ya! Alessia is thrilled to be performing in her first Lakeshore Players Dorval production; and what a special production it is, full of warmth, humour, and a little family dysfunction! Alessia’s love of all things theatrical began when she was a high school student at Queen of Angels Academy where she performed in The House of the Seven Gables, Arsenic and Old Lace, Anne Frank and Me, and The Wicked Witch of Oz. She currently teaches high school theatre at West Island College, and has directed staged productions of Arsenic and Old Lace, Rumors, A Lighter Shade of Noir, and Scenes From a Quarantine. Sharing her passion for the stage with her students has been a true delight. Alessia would like to sincerely thank the wonderfully talented Lost in Yonkers cast and crew for their unwavering support, and for bringing this show to life. She hopes you’ll love it as much as she does!
Natanel VILCHEZ – Jay Kurnitz
This is Nate’s first production with Lakeshore Players Dorval ever since Lost in Yonkers was originally postponed due to COVID-19. Nate has been interested in acting ever since he could remember with his first play when he was seven years old where he played the role of King Arthur. Ever since then he has been pursuing acting. He did a production with The Segal Center and a play with his high school. Nate is very glad to have been given the opportunity to play the role of the very protective yet sensitive older brother Jay. The Kurnitz family is a classic dysfunctional family and it’s fascinating to watch their daily life unfold. Nate is very excited to get the honour of presenting a member of this quirky family to you all!
Bianca FASANELLA – Arty Kurnitz
Eric SAUVÉ – Eddie Kurnitz
Alessia FASANELLA – Bella Kurnitz
Claire SHAMY – Grandma Kurnitz
Claire is so excited to once again be playing with the Lakeshore Players Dorval cast, crew, and team. It has been a long break away and it is refreshing to be back “In Yonkers”. Claire has performed in many of our season shows. Some favorites: Arsenic and Old Lace, Enchanted April, Kindly Keep It Covered, Drinking Alone, Bedtime Stories, Jane Eyre, and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike… She has also held many roles in the group, some including: activities executive on the board, advertising, Front of House Manager, and Box Office. Claire is a graduate of Concordia University Theater Performance and has a Bachelor of Business Administration. Outside of LPD she has enjoyed performing on different stages around Montreal. As well, she was directed by and taught by Gordon McCall and was taught and mentored by her late mother Carol Ganem Shamy who was a professional actress and teacher. “ Thanks mom, I always hear your soft whisper 
Enjoy the show :)”
Tommy FURINO – Louie Kurnitz
Tommy is excited to be playing Louie in this heartfelt comedy, full of highs and lows. He would like to thank this great cast and crew for their hard work and dedication. Tommy was recently seen as Master Ford in the Merry Wives of Windsor with Hudson Players Club. Some of his favorite theatre credits include I Am Yours (Toilane) and Featuring Loretta (Dave) with Tableau D’Hôte theatre. Twelfth Night (Sir Toby Belch & Sebastian) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius & Francis Flute) with Shakespeare Canada. Not Now Darling (Harry McMichael) and Opening Night (Jack Tisdale) with Lakeshore Players Dorval and Chapter Two (Leo Schneider) with Pier 21 productions. Thank you all for your support and enjoy the show!
Charyl HYNDMAN – Gert KurnitzCharyl is tickled pink that Lakeshore Players Dorval is back and very excited to be playing the part of Gert Kurnitz in this heartwarming production of Lost in Yonkers. She was last seen on the main stage as Annie in Calendar Girls and before that as Miss. Tipdale in Not Now Darling. She’s also tickled because this is her 3 sho with LPD and the 2nd time she gets to share the stage with her wonderfully talented hubby, Eric, and as an extra bonus she gets to perform again with one of her other favourites, Tommy Furino. When she isn’t acting with LPD, Charyl is busy as Publicity Director for the Board. She would like to thank the talented cast, the amazing crew, and a special thanks to the one and only Donna Byrne who helped her bring the character of Gert to life. Break a leg everyone!
THE CREW
Julia LEMIRE – Producer
Julia wants to thank her amazing ‘Yonkers’ cast & crew for making her first full play producing gig a lot of fun. This is her second production with LPD, having played on stage in Nunsense (2019). She has also been part of the Montreal musical theatre community for many years as part of The Lyric Theatre Singers, Unisson & Full Circle Productions.
Mélanie DESJARDINS – Co-Stage Manager
Mélanie has been with Lakeshore Players Dorval since 2013 and has performed in many of their shows. (A Comedy of Tenors, The Odd Couple Female Version, The Inspector General, Boeing Boeing, Shakespeare in Hollywood, Not Now Darling, You Can’t Take it With You). Her love for theatre expanded beyond acting to stage managing and she was assistant stage manager for two shows to learn the ropes. She is now jumping into the thick of it and is very thankful to have Liana by her side.
Liana NAVROZIDIS – Co-Stage Manager
This is Liana’s first time, since joining the Lakeshore Players Dorval in 2019, co-stage managing a play. After having experienced previous productions from behind the sound board (Opening Night and A Comedy of Tenors)and lighting board (Nunsense -The Musical) it’s a great thrill for her to participate in a production from inception to birth.
Jean-Claude OLIVIER – Set Design
A graduate of McGill, Université de Montréal and the National Theatre School of Canada, his work as scenic artist and set designer has been seen across Canada for more than forty years. Awards: Ovation Award (2006 Best Scenic Design for Peter Pan, Vancouver BC), 2006 Jessie Award nomination for Peter Pan, and a second Ovation Award (2008 Best Set Design for The Drowsy Chaperone, National Arts Centre/Vancouver Playhouse). Recent set designs: Once One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Rumors and Snow White and the 7 Dwarves (Hudson Theatre) Opening Night and Nunsense (Lakeshore Players Dorval)
Karen PEARCE – Costumes
Karen has been involved in many aspects of theatre production over the years; producer, director, choreographer but at some point in time Karen realized that costuming was a great excuse to expand her wardrobe, engage in a genetically predetermined hoarding tendency (It’s not my fault, it’s in my genes) and stay in shape (weight training!). She’s on her way to having the biggest walk-in closet on the West Island (some people call them garages). If you’re a Lakeshore Players Dorval regular you’ve probably seen Karen’s work over the past couple of years in Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Cat’s Meow, and And Then There Were None, The Mousetrap, and Tartuffe. Karen loves to paint a picture with color, pattern and sparkle and some people say they can recognize her costumes even before reading the program (Karen hopes this is a good thing). Karen is grateful to LP for their support and yes she is still working on the biggest closet clean up ever, Westwood Storage. Any volunteers?
RUAH- Props MistressThis is Patricia’s first production with Lakeshore Players Dorval. Patricia is a mother of three children whom she loves very much. She graduated from Concordia University with a BSc in
actuarial mathematics. She enjoyed theatre during her elementary and high school years. Patricia is now thrilled to be working with this fantastic crew while having the opportunity to witness her son’s first production with Lakeshore Players Dorval and hopes that everyone enjoys the show.
Amy LYON – Props AssistantAmy is studying Art Literature & Communication at John Abbott College. She is a writer at heart and also enjoys the theatre. Amy became a member of Lakeshore Players Dorval in 2018 when she played a blind girl in The Miracle Worker. She loved her experience and wanted to learn more about what goes on backstage. In 2019 she operated the “Fly” for Nunsense, The Musical. She loves to do crafts and art in her spare time which led her to want to help with props this year.
Kevin CONFORTI – Lighting Designer
Kevin is a graduate and the current Technical Director of the John Abbott College Professional Theatre Program. Selected credits include: Lighting Design for The Great Gatsby (Hudson Players’ Club), Tartuffe (Lakeshore Players Dorval) and A Song of Fiction (KaleidoscopeMTL), Lighting and Sound Design for Counting Aloud and Abigail/1702 (Persephone Productions), Stage Manager for The Shape of Things (Not A Real Theatre Company), Stage Manager and Costume Lighting for Captain Aurora (KaleidoscopeMTL), and Set Designer and Costume Lighting for Capitain Aurora II (KaleidoscopeMTL).
Holli DRUM – Assistant Stage ManagerHolli, a Lakeshores Player Dorval lifetime member, has enjoyed working backstage with her team member Gillian for many, many productions. Holli works with seniors and Girl Guides as well as being part of the backstage crew.
Gillian GILBERT – Assistant Stage Manager
We’re back! Originally from the U.K. Gillian began her love of theatre in plays and rock bands (notably with Steve Hackett/Genesis). In Canada she was a singing serving wench at Festin du Gouverneur and joined Mont Royal Operatic Society. Over the years Gillian has absolutely loved being involved with Lakeshore Players Dorval on stage – Calendar Girls, Shakespeare in Love and Jane Eyre, and backstage with my good friend Holli. She would like to thank all the wonderful cast and crew for making theatre such a rich and rewarding experience. Please continue to support community theatre – it is so much better than Tik Tok!
Eric SAUVÉ – Sound Designer
Hi. You know my story. I design sound that needs to be designed in order to set the right mood at the right moment in the play. I’ve done that for many more than four productions (which is as high as I can count). Coughing and other undesirable noises are not my fault. Some stuff you just can’t control.
Bill FLETCHER & The Westwood Boys- Set Construction
Bill Fletcher is a true Lakeshore Players Dorval veteran. Bill came to LPD for a part in My Three Angels in 1995 and is still haunting the wings, serving as Production Manager on more than 30 productions since 2001. Bill is privileged to be flanked by The Westwood Boys – sons Don and Derek Fletcher, Dave Inglis, John McNair, Roman Soukharev, and the incomparable Jean-Claude Olivier.