‘You Can’t Take It with You’ @ Garland Civic Theatre
Artwork courtesy of Garland Civic Theatre
—Hannah Kneen
If you went to high school or college in the second half of the 20th century, odds are you’ve seen (or been in) a production of Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s You Can’t Take It with You. For decades this vintage comedy, with a cast big enough to put everyone to work, has been a perennial of school theater programs—but its a Broadway staple as well: the show premiered there in 1936, and has returned five times (most recently in 2014). And then there was the hit 1938 movie starring Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Lionel Barrymore.
The Kaufman & Hart script (playing onstage through May 12 at Garland Civic Theatre) is a classic for a reason, mixing oddball, interesting characters with pointed, funny views on social issues and how to live a good life.
The plot centers around the eccentric Sycamore family and their more practical daughter Alice (Diana Siotos). Grandpa Vanderhof (Stan Kelly) is the de facto leader of the clan. Once a successful businessman, Grandpa left his job many years ago so that he could relax and live the life he wants. Now he only does what he enjoys doing, and the rest of the family follows suit.
This philosophy leads to some unusual quirks in the Sycamore household. Alice’s mother Penny Sycamore (Nancy Bartke) writes plays and paints, despite being terrible at both. Alice’s sister Essie (Jordyn Pierson) makes candy and dreams of ballet stardom. She is, however, as inept at dancing as her mother is in her own artistic efforts. Increasing the general chaos of the house is Alice’s father Paul (Jay Laengrich), whose hobbies include creating and testing fireworks (in the basement!) with his “found” assistant Mr. DePinna (David Birge), a neighborhood iceman who dropped in years ago for a chat, and never left.
Alice is a bit of a black sheep in the family (though they love her): she is sensible, organized, and holds down a steady job in the city. Her life is thrown into turmoil when she falls in love with a tycoon’s son, Tony Kirby (David Helmes). Once they’re engaged, Alice faces the daunting task of introducing her fiancé and his wealthy parents to her family. She wants the meeting to go as smoothly, as normally, as possible.
Obviously, that can’t happen—where’s the fun? The Kirbys arrive a day early and chaos ensues.
Both the humor and the acting are a bit hit-or-miss in this production, directed by Joey Folsom. But it was still, for me, a fun night out with a lot of moments that brought a smile to my face. The sudden and inexplicable appearance of the Grand Duchess Olga Katrina (Kerra Sims) is certainly one of those moments. Kerra Sims plays her with an odd combination of deadpan humor and elegance that works quite well, especially opposite the enthusiasm of Blair Mitchell’s Boris Kolenkhov, Essie’s ballet instructor.
Big shot Mr. Kirby (Stephen Miller) has some intriguing interactions with Grandpa Vanderhof, who for his part is an interesting character, with social views and a philosophy of life that are fun to explore. His ongoing side-conflict with the government over his taxes makes a good counterpoint to Alice’s troubles. One plot thread plays into the other, and it kept me guessing about what new twists and turns might be coming.
I certainly didn’t expect the G-Men.
The set, designed by Folsom, suits the Sycamore family well. The house is homey, and cluttered with bits and pieces that connect with the many interests, hobbies and personalities held therein. The walls are covered with pictures, and not one of them hangs straight. The costumes, designed by Kerra Sims, are pretty wacky, though Alice is well-distinguished by her costume choices.
It is entertaining to watch the one semi-normal, put-together member of the family getting increasingly flustered by their antics. The awful ballet, the scantily clad old man posing for paintings, and the spontaneous wrestling (yes, you read that right) all push Alice closer to her breaking point. Will any of Alice’s relationships—familial or romantic— survive?
WHEN: Apr 26-May 12, 2024
WHERE: Granville Arts Center, 300 N 5th St, Garland, TX
WEB: garlandcivic.org
