(Posted Nov. 1, 2017)
The charmingly eccentric Vanderhof clan will take the stage in Rosedale Bible College’s production of the comedy, “You Can’t Take It with You,” Nov.10-12.
Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s play focuses on a New York City family, presided over by Grandpa Vanderhof, who walked away from a lucrative career in business to enjoy life while he was still able. An interesting tidbit: Grandpa owes over two decades of back taxes to the government (because, he says, they wouldn’t know what to do with his money if he gave it to them).
Grandpa’s extended and equally offbeat family lives together in a townhouse crowd-ed with snakes in a cage, a failed playwright, a ballerina who can’t dance, a xylophone player who prints seditious slogans to put in candy boxes, and a would-be inventor who makes fireworks in the basement. They are strange, but happy.
At the center of the play is the relationship between Alice, the only “normal” person in the family, and Tony Kirby, vice-president of his father’s company. The Kirbys are everything the Vanderhofs are not: conventional and quite unhappy. Can Alice and Tony’s love bridge the gap between two different worlds?
Director Christa Wolf sees this show as “a refreshing break from our current climate of negativity.” Laughter is good medicine, she says, “and this play provides a healthy dose of it.”
“You Can’t Take It with You” uses physical comedy, odd characters, slap-stick humor, special effects, and hilarious dialogue to keep the audience rolling, says Wolf, even as it “reminds us of the importance of family, friends, love, reconciliation, and appreciating the simple things.”
The show is suitable for all ages, though younger children may find it difficult to sit for the duration of the 2.5-hour show.
Wolf, who teaches drama at RBC, has directed 27 full-length productions. She also designed the set for this year’s play.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 10-11 and 2 p.m. at half price Nov. 12. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone, or at the door if still available. Visit rosedale.edu or call (740) 857-1311, ext. 119, for details.
Rosedale Bible College is located at 2270 Rosedale Road, Irwin.
