Dinner-theater to feature 'You Can't Take It With You'
Right-Center-Left Production Company will present George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's comedic play, "You Can't Take It with You," for a two-weekend dinner/theater run at the Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church beginning Friday, July 24.
On July 24, 25 and 31, the evening will begin with a 7 p.m. dinner followed by the 8 p.m. show at the church, 8505 Church St. On July 26, Aug. 1-2, join an afternoon matinee with dinner at 1 p.m. and the show at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $30, $25 for students or seniors, age 60 and older. For tickets, call (708) 267-2572 or visit www.rclpctheater.com.
The play had its initial performance on Broadway in 1936, played for 838 performances. The play won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was adapted for the screen, starring Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur and Lionel Barrymore. The 1938 film by Frank Capra won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director.
For the dinner-theater, director Regina Belt-Daniels has assembled a 19-person cast of talented actors from throughout northern Illinois. The story takes place entirely in the large house of a slightly batty New York City family. The Vanderhof family, at the center of the play, is a collection of cheerful and erratic (yet lovable) incompetents.
Seemingly the only normal character is Alice, a Wall Street secretary, played by Rebecca Muszynski. Her grandfather, Grandpa Martin Vanderhof, played by Steve Connell, is the family patriarch. Penny Vanderhof Sycamore is his daughter, played by Holly Sloan-Parrish, is a writer of plays who is married to Paul Sycamore, played by Michael Moylan, a maker of fireworks in the basement with the help of his assistant Mr. De Pinna, played by Ryan McNerney. Essie Sycamore Carmichael, played by Jess Smith, is one of Paul and Penny's daughters and dreams of being a ballerina while being a candy maker. Essie is married to Ed Carmichael, played by Brendan Gaughan, a xylophone player who helps deliver Essie's candies. Paul and Penny's other daughter is Alice, the only "normal" family member. The family employs a maid Rheba, played by Karen Jorgensen Cook, who is dating Donald, played by Terrell Pierce, who performs odd jobs. Alice has fallen in love with Tony Kirby, played by Andrew Rodriquez, the son of the company's executive. The family is visited by a tax investigator Wilbur C. Henderson, played by David Palmer, because Grandpa has never paid income tax. Mr. Boris Kolenkhov, played by Jeff Cook, an extremely eccentric Russian ballet instructor arrives to give Essie her ballet lesson. Penny has brought actress Gay Wellington, played by Kelly Pizzirusso, over to read her latest play but becomes very drunk and passes out onto the living room couch. Alice and Tony become engaged and invite his parents Mr. Kirby, played by Jerry Hage, and Mrs. Kirby, played by Alison Hage, over for dinner. Federal agents, played by Paul and Dylan Connell and Josh Dold, soon overrun the house. The final visitor to the home is Grand Duchess Olga Katrina, played by Kathie Comella, who was brought in by Mr. Kolenkhov and insists on cooking dinner for the entire family.
Production staff include: Allison Larsen, playbill; Amy Connell, stage manager/props/kitchen; Gina Micci, lights/sound/tech; Julie Verdico, house; Kristi Geggie, costumes; Steve Connell, producer/set design.
Begun by Steve Connell in October 2014, Right-Center-Left Production Company is an inclusive, professional nonprofit, non-Equity theatrical production company based in Crystal Lake, whose staff and performers form the Right-Center-Left Players Co-op. Its vision is to entertain and enlighten local audiences while offering artists a collaborative venue for individual growth. They are committed to: 1.) cooperative partnerships that reflect the diversity of our community, audience and artists; 2.) integrity and professionalism in delivering a quality theatrical experience; and 3.) enhancing awareness of and financially supporting the mission and outreach of the Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church. Performances are in the fellowship hall of the Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church. All dinner proceeds benefit the church's various mission programs.