Star Beacon
ASHTABULA —
I suspect Gary Larson who draws The Far Side grew up in the Sycamore home, the inhabitants of which are on display at the Ashtabula Arts Center.
“You Can’t Take It with You” is a raucously funny play about true acceptance of one’s family.
Directed by Clay Nielsen and presented by the GB Community Theatre, this show takes place in the Sycamore household, a ghetto of seemingly not so normal folks who love and care for each other. Each of the actors presented his character in a delightful, funny manner. However, there were some who seemed to slip into the ‘alter ego’ realm of acting and really poured it on!
Ron Cramer, in the role of Grandpa Martin Vanderhof, gave an outstanding performance of a man who realized the futility of the ‘rat race’ and became the stabilizing keel of the family. Bev Schumann was totally amusing in the way she brought her character to the edge of reality, but her Penny Sycamore didn’t quite make it over the rainbow. Curtiss Barron as Mr. DiPinna, a cohort in the basement production of illegal fireworks, never once fell short of entertaining the audience.
Jeannie Jyurovat, delighting the audience in the role of Essie Carmichael, a would-be dancer, very pointedly kept everyone abreast of her terpsichorean progress. Her stage husband, Ed Carmichael, was played by Doug Anderson. Anderson’s performance struck several familiar chords, perhaps reminding one of a visit to the Adams Family residence.
Maureen Brickman Tanner put a crowning touch on her character, Grand Duchess Olga Katrina, a woman who was willing to serve her people. Most everyone’s favorite visitor to the house was Boris Kolenkhov, a Russian dance instructor portrayed by Aaron Drews, an actor who wasn’t afraid to get slap happy with his stage movements or his accent.
I noticed two acts in the play; however, the program says it is presented in three. Nevertheless, the time before intermission seem to fly by because of the antics on the GB Theatre stage. The last act (you decide if it’s the second or third) is about 30 minutes.
“You Can’t Take It with You” is a fun way to break into spring. The show continues tonight and Saturday at 8. and Sunday afternoon at 2. Tickets may be ordered by phoning the Ashtabula Arts Center at 964-3396.
