About the Play
“You Can’t Take It with You” relates the humorous encounter between a conservative family and the crazy household of Grandpa Martin Vanderhof. Grandpa’s family of idiosyncratic individualists amuse with their energetic physical antics and inspire with their wholehearted pursuit of happiness. Kaufman and Hart fill the stage with chaotic activity from beginning to end. Critics have admired the witty one-liners, the visual theatricalism, and the balanced construction of the play’s three acts. Although “You Can’t Take It with You” is undeniably escapist theater which prompts immediate enjoyment rather than complex analysis, it has clearly influenced American comedy. The formula originated by Kaufman and Hart—a loveable family getting into scrapes and overcoming obstacles—has been adopted as a format by most of today’s television situation comedies.
Produced by special permission of Dramatists Play Service Inc.
Producers: Joanne Taylor and Joyce Hodgson
Production Photos
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Dave Sayer | Martin Vanderhof |
| Dianne Couves | Penelope Sycamore |
| Manfred Taron | Paul Sycamore |
| Howard Joynt | Henderson |
| Craig Woelke | Tony Kirby |
| Justine Westby | Alice Sycamore |
| Debra Bob | Reba |
| Eileen Podanowski | Grand Duchess Olga |
| Rod Neufeld | Boris Kolenkhov |
| Penny Thorburn | Mrs. Kirby |
| Bill Reynolds | Mr. Kirby |
| Colin Carney | Ed |
| Bob Chamberlain | Mr. DePinna |
| David Miller | Donald |
| Ann Cordingley | Gay Willington |
| Lisa Talesnick | Essie |
| Geoff White | G-Man |
| Dawn Kennedy, Howard Joynt | Government Men |
| Technical Producer | Joanne Taylor |
| Administrative Producer | Joyce Hodgson |
| Stage Manager | Lesley McCoy |
| Set Designer | Doug Huggins |
| ASM | Carol Davidson |
| Lighting Design | Vanessa Lomas |
| Lighting Operator | Joanne Reynolds |
| Sound Design | Monty Hughes |
| Sound Operator | Andy Markson |
| Set Construction | Willem Roell, David Roell, Norm Jaques, Chris Bayne, Ron Heuman, Bob Spearman, Bob Jackson |
| Set Decor | Sarah McLean, Sherry Moir, Carlayne Baxter, Morgan Sim, Sandra Liedl, Lynn Davis, Laurie Normandeau |
| Costumes | Val Heuman, Marnie Cullum |
| Dressers | Elizabeth tritt, Phyllis Sherwood |
| Makeup / Hair | Eileen Pelliccia |
| Props | Kaleena Reynolds, Bev Harwood, Michael Poirier |
| Special Effects | John Shanks |
| Poster Design | Julia Berschley |
| Program | Penny Bayne, Joyce Hodgson |
| House Manager | Ann Cordingley |
| Preview Night | Joan Karstensen |
| Photography | Dave Wallden, Bec Pothecary, Karen Hettler |
| Opening / Final Night | Pip Jordan |
| Bar Manager | Ron Heuman |
| Foyer Design | Sue Maxwell |