by Morgan Bryce
The Opelika High Theatre Society will open its 2016-17 season tonight, as they perform an adaptation of Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Lost in Yonkers.”
The play is set during World War II, and tells the story of two brothers, Jay and Arty, who have to move in with their Nazi-leaning grandmother after the death of their mother, which forces their father to take up a job as traveling salesman. Through the course of the play, the boys conceive a plan to make enough money so that they can reunite with their father.
Revel Gholston, OHTS’s director, said that he and the cast began work at the end of July, and that they are ready to perform.
“We’ve been working really hard the last six weeks, and we hope to impress everybody,” Gholston said.
Besides putting on a good show, Gholston said he hopes that those in attendance have a chance to set aside life’s concerns and enjoy the escapement that watching theater has to offer.
“Theater was originally invented as an escape and somewhere where you can go and watch other people and be able to use their imagination. It’s a diversion from reality, which is something we all need every once in a while,” Gholston said.
Tonight through Saturday, shows will begin at 7 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a matinee showing at 3 p.m. Next week’s shows will be Tuesday through Thursday, with all beginning at 7 p.m. The shows will be held at the Opelika Performing Arts Center, located at 1700 LaFayette Parkway. Tickets can be purchased at the door: $7 for adults, and $5 for children. For any other information, call (334) 745-9715.
