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The Henderson State University theatre department presented the play “You Can’t Take it With You,” arguably one of the most acclaimed theatrical comedies of the 20th century.
The original Broadway production enjoyed a two-year run on the stage starting in 1936 and took home the Pulitzer Prize from best drama. In 1938, a film version was produced starring Jimmy Stewart and directed by Frank Capra that would go on to win the Academy Award for best picture.
Having seen the excellent movie before and having knowledge of the play’s impressive pedigree, I went into the Henderson production with fairly high expectations. I am happy to report, I was not disappointed.
While the initial start to the play was a little slow, it wasn’t long before the eccentric cast was in full command of the stage and the minds of the audience. Much of this might be credited to the sole non-student in the ensemble. Dr. Bill Higgins, professor of music at Henderson, provides a mature, controlled performance as the calm eye of a rather hectic storm of characters.
The story concerns an eccentric family who doesn’t work, but instead goes on living their lives doing essentially whatever they please. A couple of relatives spend their days making fireworks in the basement, one types away on never-completed manuscripts and another is an aspiring, though not very talented, dancer. No one ever accomplishes much of anything, but they do enjoy their lives.
Their simple world is upset when the young daughter of the family falls in love with the son of her high-power, aristocratic boss. The two want to be married, but the refined world of socialites poses a threat to the eccentric life of the family.
As the story progresses, the action and characters begin to overlap, and at some points there is so much going on that it is difficult to keep up. But this turns out to be a recipe for hilarity.
In addition to Higgins, who played the grandfather of the clan, the students surrounding him all turned in colorful performances. Nicole Amonette Kelly was a delightful presence as the mother, who perfects the character’s sweet, unassuming nature.
Taylor Pittman and Whitney Glover both played Russian characters. Their accents were perfection and helped to provide some of the funniest moments in the show. As the romantic couple at the center of the action, Joshua Simpson and Adrianna McLeod created a relatable, sympathetic pairing with which the audience could connect.
My favorite couple in the story, though, was that of the maid and her steady, played by Whitney Hunt and Jordan Burns.
The cast also included Sarah Burns, Ryan Quin, Jason Moore, Brandyn Smith, Kia Manuel, Jonathan Watson, Katie Langum, Joey Farley, Rob Coulter and Christian Dumas, all making a mark in their respective parts.
The direction by Claudia A. Beach was tight, while the scenic design by Doug Gilpin was essentially the star of the show. His depiction of the simple home of one very eccentric family was spot-on, down to details such as the ornate, period lamps and the liberal use of wood to create a friendly, home-town atmosphere.
The Henderson theatre department’s run of “You Can’t Take it With You” has ended, but their production of “Bus Stop,” another classic play and film, will begin on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
To donate to the Henderson theatre department, call 230-5037 and contribute as a Friend of the Theatre through the Henderson Foundation.
Rance Collins is a writer for the Siftings Herald and can be reached at siftingsreporter@yahoo.com.
The Henderson State University theatre department presented the play “You Can’t Take it With You,” arguably one of the most acclaimed theatrical comedies of the 20th century.
The original Broadway production enjoyed a two-year run on the stage starting in 1936 and took home the Pulitzer Prize from best drama. In 1938, a film version was produced starring Jimmy Stewart and directed by Frank Capra that would go on to win the Academy Award for best picture.
Having seen the excellent movie before and having knowledge of the play’s impressive pedigree, I went into the Henderson production with fairly high expectations. I am happy to report, I was not disappointed.
While the initial start to the play was a little slow, it wasn’t long before the eccentric cast was in full command of the stage and the minds of the audience. Much of this might be credited to the sole non-student in the ensemble. Dr. Bill Higgins, professor of music at Henderson, provides a mature, controlled performance as the calm eye of a rather hectic storm of characters.
The story concerns an eccentric family who doesn’t work, but instead goes on living their lives doing essentially whatever they please. A couple of relatives spend their days making fireworks in the basement, one types away on never-completed manuscripts and another is an aspiring, though not very talented, dancer. No one ever accomplishes much of anything, but they do enjoy their lives.
Their simple world is upset when the young daughter of the family falls in love with the son of her high-power, aristocratic boss. The two want to be married, but the refined world of socialites poses a threat to the eccentric life of the family.
As the story progresses, the action and characters begin to overlap, and at some points there is so much going on that it is difficult to keep up. But this turns out to be a recipe for hilarity.
In addition to Higgins, who played the grandfather of the clan, the students surrounding him all turned in colorful performances. Nicole Amonette Kelly was a delightful presence as the mother, who perfects the character’s sweet, unassuming nature.
Taylor Pittman and Whitney Glover both played Russian characters. Their accents were perfection and helped to provide some of the funniest moments in the show. As the romantic couple at the center of the action, Joshua Simpson and Adrianna McLeod created a relatable, sympathetic pairing with which the audience could connect.
My favorite couple in the story, though, was that of the maid and her steady, played by Whitney Hunt and Jordan Burns.
The cast also included Sarah Burns, Ryan Quin, Jason Moore, Brandyn Smith, Kia Manuel, Jonathan Watson, Katie Langum, Joey Farley, Rob Coulter and Christian Dumas, all making a mark in their respective parts.
The direction by Claudia A. Beach was tight, while the scenic design by Doug Gilpin was essentially the star of the show. His depiction of the simple home of one very eccentric family was spot-on, down to details such as the ornate, period lamps and the liberal use of wood to create a friendly, home-town atmosphere.
The Henderson theatre department’s run of “You Can’t Take it With You” has ended, but their production of “Bus Stop,” another classic play and film, will begin on Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
To donate to the Henderson theatre department, call 230-5037 and contribute as a Friend of the Theatre through the Henderson Foundation.
Rance Collins is a writer for the Siftings Herald and can be reached at siftingsreporter@yahoo.com.
