YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU

The Jungle Theater's 25^th Anniversary is continuing on with another exciting show, You Can’t Take It With You, which opened last week and is truly delightful.  The madcap Kaufman and Hart comedy offers a little something for everyone - and I do mean everyone.

The cluttered and eclectic set designed by Tom Butsch suits the eccentric Sycamore family perfectly.  Each family member has their own little space to carry on with their hobbies and interests, which they do, all at the same time.  Ed’s xylophone and printing nook, Paul and Mr. DePinna’s fireworks workshop in the basement, Essie’s candy factory in the kitchen and dance studio in the dining room, and Penny’s desk for writing plays (which she took up because a typewriter was delivered to their home by mistake), all contribute to a wonderful mix of hilarity, with the shenanigans carefully watched over by sage Grandpa Martin Vanderhof.

The entire family is quirky, entertaining, and loved by all.  That is, until daughter Alice’s finance brings his wealthy parents to dinner on the wrong night.  From that moment on the stage is set for the play’s central message of, life is short, do what you enjoy, and live simply.  A message that eventually leads to a happy ending for Alice and her finance Tony.

I have been a fan of the Jungle Theater’s productions for several years now and have come to expect a lot from them.  Happily, I can say that they rarely disappoint, and this production of You Can’t Take It With You is a wonderful example of the quality shows that they are known for.  This production plays through August 9, and is selling out fast so you will want to get your tickets now.

***Have you seen a production of You Can’t Take It With You?