Anthony Capps
The Sycamore family and their friends are intrigued by Alice's boyfriend Tony, who they are finally meeting. Here the couple (Maggie Bambic and Benjamin Nuckroils), right, talk with Boris Kolenkov (Hayden Reynolds), who teaches the other Sycamore daughter, Essie (Sophie Bass), far left, dance in the ACTORS production of You Can't Take It with You.
Ames Community Theater is starting off its season celebrating family.
The local theater company’s production of the 1936 comedy You Can’t Take It with You begins Thursday and continues for two weekends.
Directed by Steve Petska, the 3-act play features a sizable cast — 19 roles total — and a one-foot extension to the floor was required because there are times when several are on stage.
Synopsis: The story begins with the Sycamore family, a quirky multi-generational family. Paul (Alex Nichols) tinkers with fireworks with help from Mr. DePinna (Patrick Determan). His wife Penny (Jenna Levedusky) writes melodramatic plays. Penny’s father Martin (Thom Sinn) was once a successful businessman who now is more concerned with being happy. Paul and Penny’s daughter Essie (Sophie Bass) is an aspiring (terrible) dancer who is married to xylophone player and amateur printer Ed (Brendan Donnelly).
Other daughter Alice (Maggie Bambic) sees her family as an odd bunch and fears when she falls in love with Tony Kirby (Benjamin Nuckolls), vice-president at Kirby and Co. and son of its straight-laced owner Anthony (Seth Levings) and his prim and proper wife Miriam (Kathy Taylor).
“The core of this play is about family,” Petska said.
While the two families clash, the odd-ness of the Sycamore’s wanes as the play progresses.
“As you see more and more outsiders come in, the Sycamores become much more normal looking,” Petska said. “They are all about pursuing what your interests are and enjoying life.”
Honors: The 1936 comedy, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was adapted into a 1938 Oscar-winning movie starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur and helmed by Frank Capra.
Setting and partnership: The 1930s setting is clear to audiences with several references to the era as well as the set design and costumes.
Taking place during the Depression when many had food insecurity, this production is partnering with Food at First by asking attendees to donate paper products and non-perishable foods.
Previously: ACTORS last staged You Can’t Take It with You in 1986 during its 30th season. This also isn’t Petska’s first time tackling the show, having previously worked as an assistant stage manager for it in Cedar Rapids when he was in high school.
You Can’t Take It with You
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sept. 19 and 20; 2 p.m. Sept. 21
Ames Community Theater, 120 Abraham Drive
$20+ — available online or at the Octagon Shop, 427 Douglas Ave.