You Can’t Take It With You opened on Broadway in December 1936 and went on to win the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. (A film version won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1938.) Written by the legendary playwriting team of George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, the play has remained a favorite in American theatres.
YCTIWY tells of the eccentric Vanderhof-Sycamore-Carmichael family as they congregate in their large home for their normal daily activities – painting, dancing, printing, writing, raising snakes, and making explosives. Led by Grandpa Vanderhof, there is a free-spirited countenance to the group which includes about any facet of any interest one might possess to make themselves happy.
The script is an apt display of the frantic style of comedy of the era – which originated with the Marx Brothers and others. Director Nicole Amsler has managed to compile a worthy cast for the many character types – and produces a neatly arrayed package of surprisingly sensitive portrayals. No actor over-reaches or overacts their part – truly a nifty feat in a lineup of extravagant and at times outrageous types of people. Themes of happiness, family and love are made obvious through the realistic portrayals.
(From left) James Semmelroth Darnell as Paul Sycamore, Carrie Reiberg as Penny Sycamore. and Eric Bowman as Mr. De Pinna. (Photos by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
Standouts include John Welch as even-tempered family head – Grandpa, Louis Cavallari as the passionate Russian dance instructor Boris Kolenkhov, Carrie Reiberg as the artistically over-productive Penny Sycamore, and James Semmelroth Darnell as her fireworks-focused husband, Paul Sycamore. Hannah Partridge and Aaron Budde are very well combined as the romantic couple Alice Sycamore and Tony Kirby.
Cara Olsen and Noah Shepard are sincere in their characterizations as Essie and Ed Carmichael, while Eric Bowman and Susan Hill make the most out of their featured comic roles as Mr. De Pinna and Gay Wellington. Tom Smith plays the bewildered federal agent, Wilbur Henderson, and Miki Mathioudakis is an effusive Grand Duchess. Sophie Liese and Austin Uebelhor round out the cast as kitchen-staff Rheba and Donald.
The set design by Ms. Amsler, which she generously decorated with assistance from props mistress Andrea Odle, fills the bill – although an onstage mirror unfortunately reflected stage lights directly into my seat area. Costumes by Judy McGroarty are very well planned, especially the timely wardrobe featured for Ms. Partridge’s Alice Sycamore.
A few problems are present – mostly diction and projection – both of which can be easily corrected. (One character’s Scottish accent, while precisely done, lacked enunciation and thereby lost our understanding.) The pacing is perfect, and the opening night crowd had a good time – punctuated by a surprise proposal after curtain call by cast member Noah Shepard to his future wife, Bailey!
Bottom line: This large cast of 18 performers does a great job with this old chestnut making for a truly enjoyable theatre event. There are plenty of fun moments and some wisdom to pass on, as well.
You Can’t Take It With You continues in Westfield through June 9. Information about the schedule and reservations can be found at BasileWestfieldPlayhouse.org or by calling (317) 402-3341.
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