Back in 1936 in the depths of the Great Depression, the two playwrights Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman wrote You Can’t Take it With You. Surrounded by the grim reality of hunger and displacement, the authors created a madcap comedy that celebrated self-expression rather than economic betterment. Eighty-three years later, the play is just as funny and relevant as it was back then.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s production (the final one for this season) certainly brings joy and laughter. The Sycamore family’s living room is alive with bad ballet dancing, snakes, xylophone music, and a racy wannabe playwright. The family firmly believes in “following their bliss” — however odd it might be to the rest of the world. Daughter Alice (Janyce Caraballo) is the only one with a conventional job, and announces to the family that she’s invited a boy over, the son of the big boss, and wants to make sure there will be no embarrassing moments. An IRS agent shows up at the door, looking for Grandpa (Robert Elliott) because he hasn’t paid income taxes —ever — but is frightened off by the snakes and loud fireworks in the basement. Tony Kirby (Aaron Kirby) show up for the date and gets a very clear picture of the family dynamics, and seems to find it all just fine because he’s fallen hard for Alice. That’s about the last normal moment in the show. From there, it is all uphill, adding a mad Russian (Joey Collins) prone to outbursts, a former iceman who now builds fireworks (Ansley Valentine) with Paul Sycamore (James Leaming) in the basement, the bad ballerina (Mehry Elsaminia) and her xylophone playing husband (Carlos Medina Maldonado). Mother Penelope (Milicent Wright) is a playwright-painter who loves her eccentric family unconditionally, and doesn’t seem to realize they are eccentric.
The 18 cast members are particular treasures in this show, which requires a certain amount of physical comedy on a set that is delightfully (and authentically) cluttered. The scenic design by Linda Buchanan is outstanding, as well as the costuming by Tracy Dorman. Artful direction Peter Amster controls the chaos just enough to drive home the point that following your heart leads to unique horizons.
In today’s world, too much work and interconnectivity (how many people check work e-mails while on vacation), You Can’t Take it With You celebrates following your passions for a full, rich life. Tickets are available online at irtlive.com or by calling 317-635-5252.
