Their mum has passed away, their grandma is German refugee, and their uncle is a small-time gangster hiding from the mob.

The story of Lost in Yonkers won its writer, famous playwright Neil Simon, a Pulitzer Prize for his efforts, and cemented the career of Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey.

Now, the story is being re-explored by Ballarat National Theatre, with director Hedley Thomson describing the work as a “fantastic drama”.

He said the two teenage boys playing brothers Jay and Arty were unusually young cast members for Ballarat National Theatre.

James Wait, 17 from Ballan, and Zach McLellan, 14 from Bacchus Marsh, have been travelling via train twice a week for rehearsals for the past three months.

He said the two boys, as central protagonists, rarely left the stage.

“For any player to be on the stage 95 per cent of the time, which these guys are, is a huge challenge,” Mr Thomson said.

“They come by train (for rehearsals), which I think is fantastic, as trains feature in the show.”

Mr Thomson recommended people watch stage rather than film versions of the work, which was first performed on Broadway in 1991.

“I wouldn’t encourage people to watch the film version, I think they’ve got it wrong,” he said.

“Lots of movies present it as a comedy. There are humorous moments right through the play, but it’s a very solid drama.

“It’s not funny in the humorous or laugh out loud slapstick way. It’s funny in the foibles of the human nature.”

James Wait said the characters were complex.

“In the story, their father has to leave them with their grandmother and they have to travel down south selling iron. They’re catching trains all over the country,” he said.

“It is quite deep and there are some heavy themes in it.”

Lost in Yonkers will be performed at the Courthouse Theatre at Federation University, Lydiard Street, from July 2 to 9.

Tickets $10-$25.

Tickets available online at www.hermaj.com, by phoning 5333 5888, or at the door.