You Can’t Take It With You
May 27 - June 11, 2011
You Can’t Take It With You
by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman
May 27 - June 11, 2011
Directed by Dave Schmidt
Comedy
Dupree Theater
Irving Arts Center
3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75062
Fridays & Saturdays, May 27, 28, June 3, 4, 10, 11, 2011 at 8pm.
Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 8pm.
Sundays, May 29, June 5, 2011 at 2:30pm.
This is the story of the zany Sycamore household, presided over by Grandpa Vanderhof, a former businessman who has turned his back on commerce to enjoy life. At the Sycamores', everyone does just what he or she pleases. Penny Sycamore, Grandpa's daughter, has become a novelist because someone delivered a typewriter to her home by mistake. Penny's husband makes firecrackers in his basement with the help of Mr. DePinna, an iceman who showed up at the Sycamore doorstep one day and never left. Their daughter, Essie, imagines that she's a prima ballerina, even though her dour teacher, Boris, assesses her work with, "Confidentially, it steenks!" Essie's husband, Ed, who'd rather play a xylophone than work, spends his free time selling Essie's candy, wrapping each package in paper from a used printing press that dispenses anarchistic slogans. The one normal member of the household is Alice Sycamore, in love with wealthy Tony Kirby. Naturally, when the stuffy, aristocratic Kirbys come to the Sycamores' for dinner, the event is a disaster, capped with the arrest of everyone in the household. Hart and Kaufman's third act found the previously judgmental Kirby softening his attitude toward the freewheeling Sycamore clan, admitting that he's never had so much fun in his life and all ends well.
G
Production Images
Alice has a beau
Cast
.gif) |
ANGELA ALLEN (Gay Wellington) is making her 4th appearance at ICT MainStage. In TEN NIGHTS IN A BARROOM she had the supreme pleasure of drowning on a dry stage. Angela is a Column Award winner and a multiple Column nominee. Some favorite roles include Goldie Hills/TEN NIGHTS and Belinda/NOISES OFF. She thanks Mike for his patience while she is at rehearsal and would like to assure everyone that she was NOT typecast in this show, even though the gossips will tell you otherwise! ~ |
.gif) |
ROBERT BANKS (Martin Vanderhof) was recently seen as Henry Drummond in INHERIT THE WIND at Onstage in Bedford (2011 Column Award nominee), and as Conjur Man in DARK OF THE MOON for Level Ground Arts. He studied Acting at the University of London and favorite roles include Henry Higgins/MY FAIR LADY, which he has played three times; Charley/ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, The Stage Manager/OUR TOWN, Alceste/THE MISANTHROPE, George/OF MICE AND MEN, and Robert/LIFE IN THE THEATRE. ~ |
.gif) |
BOB BILLINGSLEY (Henderson/G-Man #3) is excited to be in his first play at ICT MainStage. Bob has always been a fan of screwball comedies, and has worked the technical side of many Gilbert & Sullivan productions such as THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, PATIENCE, and RUDDIGORE as a member of the Rice Light Opera Society in Houston. He also performed the role of Jacob in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. ~ |
.gif) |
CRAIG BOLEMAN (Ed Carmichael) was most recently seen in DFW as Bobby Strong in The Column Award nominated URINETOWN at GLCT. Roles for ICT include: Lloyd/NOISES OFF, Joe/HEAVEN CAN WAIT and Julian/THE UNEXPECTED GUEST. Past favorite roles include Rooster/ANNIE, Brad/ROCKY HORROR, Henrik/A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, Nicely/GUYS & DOLLS, Ray/LONE STAR, Laertes/HAMLET and Dromio of Ephesus/COMEDY OF ERRORS. This one’s dedicated to my Gauke, the greatest grandpa anyone could ask for. We love and miss you. ~ |
.gif) |
J.R. BRADFORD (Donald) received his Associate of Applied Arts degree at K.D. Studio Actors Conservatory. He has performed in the metroplex at Theatre Three in THE ROYAL FAMILY, Theo/THE COSBY’S:THE LOST EPISODE at TeCo Theatre, and was last seen in the ICT MainStage production of THE LITTLE FOXES. Television and film credits include: THE GOOD GUYS, YEARS GONE BY, and is currently in the new series, DREAM FACTORY. ~ |
.gif) |
CLAYTON CUNNINGHAM (Mr. De Pinna) is thrilled to be making his ICT debut. Some favorite roles include: Motel/FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Bob Cratchit/A CHRISTMAS CAROL, C.J. Scruggs/ BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. Clayton serves on the ICT Board of Directors and is active in set building roles. Clayton would like to thank his wife, Val, and daughter Becky, for their support of his love of all things theater. ~ |
.gif) |
DEBBIE HURLEY (Mrs. Kirby) was last seen as Birdie in ICT’s THE LITTLE FOXES. Prior roles with ICT include Mrs. Hudson in SHERLOCK’S LAST CASE, Miss Bennett/THE UNEXEPECTED GUEST, Mrs. Brent/TEN LITTLE INDIANS, Mrs. Stuart-Dubonet/UNVARNISHED TRUTH, Elaine/ NIGHT WATCH, Susie/WAIT UNTIL DARK and Jessie Mae/THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL. In her younger days, she travelled around doing Dinner Theatre. Debbie also enjoys helping out backstage. Her “normal” job is Registrar at The Highlands School here in Irving. ~ |
.gif) |
NEELEY JONEA’ (Rheba) is ecstatic to return to ICT after last being seen as Addie in THE LITTLE FOXES. Neeley’s favorite past credits include: LaLa/THE COLORED MUSEUM, Jewel/BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, Mrs. Cratchit/A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Dorothy/THE WIZ, and Kelsey in the Lorne Michael’s produced soap opera ALMOST LEGAL. Neeley is SO grateful for this phenomenal opportunity, and thanks her family and loving boyfriend, Nate, for their continuous support! ~ |
.gif) |
ASHLIE KIRKPATRICK (Alice) Along with her most recent role as Maudie in To Kill A Mockingbird at RCT, some of Ashlie's favorite roles include Maria/LEND ME A TENOR (2011 Column Award Winner), The Baker's Wife/INTO THE WOODS (2010 Column Award Nominee), Mother/NEVER IN MY LIFETIME and Miss Adelaide/GUYS AND DOLLS. She thanks Dave, the incredible cast and crew, her wonderful family of friends, and her son, Corbin, for his loving encouragement to pursue her dream. ~ |
.gif) |
LAURA JONES (Penelope Sycamore) This is Laura’s third production at ICT, having played Regina in THE LITTLE FOXES and Juanita in DEARLY DEPARTED. Favorite recent roles include Jean Brodie/THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE, Charlotte/MOON OVER BUFFALO, Ruth/BLITHE SPIRIT, Agnes/THE SHADOWBOX, and Miss Casewell/THE MOUSETRAP. Laura returned to acting 6 years ago after an 18-year hiatus, during which time she was an attorney and became the mother of two wonderful children. ~ |
.gif) |
MICHAEL MCNIEL (Paul Sycamore) performs for the fourth time with ICT MainStage. Previous roles included Squire Romaine/ TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM, Joe Keller/ ALL MY SONS and Howard Bevans/ PICNIC. Other roles in DFW theatres have included The Skipper/GILLIGAN’S ISLAND: THE MUSICAL, Gerald Gannett/WOMAN IN MIND, and Joe Boyd/DAMN YANKEES. Michael is excited to be working with this talented cast. ~ |
.gif) |
SCOTT NIXON (Boris Kolenkhov) Scott is serving the final year of his second term on the ICT Board of Directors and returns to ICT for an 8th straight season. Favorite roles include: Tito Mirelli/LEND ME A TENOR, Simon Slade/TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM, Lt. Foster/DEATH: TAKE/1, and Injun Joe/THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER. Scott also directed ICT’s Theatre on the Edge production of THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENAN and most recently, LOST IN YONKERS for Grapevine’s Runway Theatre. He would like to give huge thanks to Cameron and Emily for their love and support. ~ |
.gif) |
CHARLES MAXHAM (Tony Kirby) is a local film, stage, and improv actor. You may have seen him performing with The Hindenburgs at The Pocket Sandwich Theater in conjunction with The Alternative Comedy Theater, but has recently returned to the stage in Garland Civic Theatre's production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and now ICT MainStage's production of YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. Charles would like to thank you all for joining us and for the opportunity to entertain you. ~ |
.gif) |
MARVIN PASEK (G-Man 2/Jim) Marvin thanks ICT MainStage for this opportunity to continue his fledging acting adventure. He has previously been seen at Runway Theatre in Grapevine where he played Mr. Gimble in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. He thanks Valerie Galloway Chapa for the Workshops he has learned so much from and to all his friends for their continuing support. ~ |
.gif) |
NEIL ROGERS (Mr. Kirby) returns to ICT after recently playing Oscar Hubbard/THE LITTLE FOXES. Prior to that, Neil was seen as King Arthur/ CAMELOT at Artisan Center Theater and Senator Wingwoah/THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS at Casa Manana with Ruta Lee. Some of his other recent theatrical credits include; Luther Billis/SOUTH PACIFIC, Emile de Becque/SOUTH PACIFIC, and Jud Fry/OKLAHOMA. Neil has also been seen on stage in shows such as OUR TOWN, THE BIG KNIFE, ALL MY SONS, BRIGADOON, and EVITA ~ |
.gif) |
SHEILA D. ROSE (Olga) returns to the ICT MainStage, having last performed here as Mrs. Rogers/TEN LITTLE INDIANS. She recently earned a Best Actress Column Award for her portrayal of Vernadette/THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB at Pocket Sandwich Theatre. Other favorite roles include Brigida/DON JUAN TENORIO, and originating the roles of Melanie /THE MAKEOVER (Runway) and Dorothy/A CRITICAL CASE OF MURDER in Living Black and White™ (Pegasus). Sheila thanks Dave for choosing her to be in this most special, talented cast. This show is dedicated to her family and her parents who left this world much too early. ~ |
.gif) |
STEPHANIE SEIDLER (Essie) was last seen as Diana in LEND ME A TENOR for which she received a Column nomination. She has a BA from the University of North Texas in Performance. Some other past roles include Florinda/INTO THE WOODS, Babe/CRIMES OF THE HEART, Jane/OUT OF ORDER, Rosalind/MOON OVER BUFFALO, and Olga/THREE SISTERS. She is fortunate to be working with such a talented group of actors and crew and would like to thank her friends and family for their support. ~ |
.gif) |
JAMES WEST (G-man #1) has appeared in several ICT MainStage productions, most recently as Saunders in LEND ME A TENOR and Joe Morgan in TEN NIGHTS IN A BAR ROOM, and serves on ICT's Board of Directors. James would like to thank his lovely wife, Marie, for her enthusiastic support, and director, Dave Schmidt, for the chance to be a part of this wonderful show. ~ |
Crew
DAVE SCHMIDT (Director) Originally from Los Angeles where the bulk of his directorial experience hails, Dave began directing in a hippe-esque experimental theater in 1976 with an irreverent production of Aristophanes classic antiwar play LYSISTRATA. From there he went on to more mainstream titles, the likes of which being everything from TRIBUTE to HARVEY. After moving to Texas in 1993, Dave eventually found ICT MainStage in 2000 when he was cast as R.F. Simpson in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. Like a cat finding a warm place by the fire he has made ICT his theatrical home both as an actor (Felix Unger/THE ODD COUPLE, Sir Lawrence Wargrave/TEN LITTLE INDIANS, Selsdon Mowbray/NOISES OFF) and as a director (TEN NIGHTS IN A BARROOM, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH, PROOF). Dave sends a big thanks to Kris for always being there for him when he’s in those moments of artistic schizophrenia.
EVELYN G. HALL - (Producer) Evelyn has produced and stage managed many shows for ICT MainStage. But she really enjoys working in any capacity for her good friend Dave. Evelyn serves on the ICT Board of Directors and The Column Awards Board of Directors.
STEVEN MERRITT (Technical Producer) has been working and performing in professional and local theatre for twenty years and with ICT as his main company for the past six. He was recently honored to join the ICT Board of Directors. He's rarely seen onstage these days but is often seen backstage training the next generation of theatre people.
LOIS BAIR (Stage Manager) has enjoyed working with this fun and talented director, cast, and crew. She has been involved with ICT MainStage for over 20 years working behind the scenes and onstage.
KAREN BURKS (Costume Designer) is so thrilled to be doing another show with ICT. Karen has 30 plus years of working with costumes and designing behind her. She has either been on stage or backstage since she was 4 and has loved every moment of it. She loves every challenge that has been given her. She thanks her beautiful daughter, Elizabeth, for her help and thanks God every day for his blessings.
IAN GARLAND (Light Board Operator) is currently a senior at UNT majoring in Theater with focus in lighting; there he has been assistant light designer on THE MISANTHROPE and GHETTO; as well as the light designer for IN THE BLOOD and as a designer for the New Choreographers Concert in 2009 & 2010. At ICT MainStage he designed LEND ME A TENOR and has been the assistant light designer and light board operator for the past four seasons.
JO ANNE HULL (Properties/Set Dressing) has been designing and finding props for ICT Main Stage shows since 1998. She enjoys the creative challenges and the thrill of the hunt. Jo Anne is an ICT Board Member.
FERNANDO LARA (Sound Board Operator) is working on his 21st show for ICT. Fernando has worked as Stage Manager for THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT to Producer for the award winning production of NINE. Fernando also works as an Actor and Production Assistant for TV and Film productions.
ELLEN DOYLE MIZENER (Set Designer) is privileged to design once more at ICT. Her work was most recently seen in THE LITTLE FOXES and LEND ME A TENOR. She has been a Column Award finalist several times and has design credits throughout the Metroplex--favorites include: DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, URINETOWN, NIGHTWATCH and A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE to name a few. Thanks to Dave and everyone involved in this production and very special thanks to her husband, Jeff, for his unconditional support.
JEFF MIZENER (Sound Designer) is a mild-mannered engineer by day who self-actualizes by designing soundscapes for the theatre when he should be remodeling his house. He is a Column Award finalist (WAR OF THE WORLDS: A RADIO EXPERIENCE) and has designed sound for many theatres around the Metroplex. He would like to thank ICT MainStage for this opportunity to make loud noises from the basement.
SAM NANCE (Lighting Designer) is honored to be designing YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU. He has designed many shows for ICT, including NOISES OFF, PROOF and more recently THE LITTLE FOXES, OF MICE AND MEN, the LION IN WINTER. SUGAR He serves as resident lighting designer for Pegasus Theater and the Column Awards. He has been nominated for a Carbonell Award, two Rabin Awards, and sixteen Column Awards. He received Column Awards for THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Theatre Three, and for NINE and All MY SONS, both for ICT MainStage.
Auditions
Directed by Dave Schmidt
Sunday, April 3, 2011 from 2 - 4pm
Monday, April 4, 2011 from 7 - 9pm
Performances: May 27 - June 11, 2011
Call 972-594-6104 to schedule an appointment.
Roles: 9 Male, 7 Female
(all roles are available)
Character breakdown
While these characters in this script may seem over the top and cartoonish, they MUST be played with sincere honestly. Those auditioning are asked to find the heart that makes these characters real people.
Male Characters
Martin Vanderhof (Grandpa) (60 +)
The patriarch of the family. Eccentrically happy and lives his life by the philosophy, “Don’t do anything that you’re not going to enjoy.” He is a man who made his peace with the world long, long ago, and his whole attitude and manner are quietly persuasive of this. He enjoys his time by goes to circuses, commencement ceremonies, playing darts and has never once paid his income tax because he just doesn't believe in it.
Paul Sycamore (Mid 40s to 50s)
Father of Essie and Alice, husband of Penny. While he’s a middle aged man he’s retained his youthful, boyish joy of living with a quiet charm and mild manner which are distinctly engaging. Under his unassuming exterior lies a man who lives for his fireworks which he manufactures in the cellar with the help of his assistant Mr. De Pinna.
Ed Carmichael (Late 20s to 30s)
Essie’s husband. A good, likable soul although a bit of a goof-ball. He is a xylophone player and an amateur printer who will print anything that sounds good to him. He’ll print anything from dinner menus to quotes by Trotsky. A rudimentary knowledge of keyboard is a plus for actors auditioning for this role.
Mr. De Pinna (40s to early 60s)
The ice man who came to make a delivery to the Sycamore household eight years before and never left. Now he’s a mad genius of pyrotechnics helping out Paul building fireworks in the cellar, He also is more than willing to volunteer as a model for Mrs. Sycamore’s paintings in Greek costume.
Donald (20s to 40s)
Rheba’s boyfriend and like Rheba is really more of a family member than a guest. He is a genial, unassuming gentleman who is always happy to chip in and help. He and Rheba have a loving, respectful and playful relationship. This role requires an African-American actor.
Boris Kolenkhov (Mid 30s to late 50s)
He is Essie’s ballet instructor. A larger than life man, he is a blustery Russian who escaped to America shortly before the revolution. He is aware that Essie is untalented at dancing. But he still enjoys working with her, mainly because he knows he’ll always be invited to dinner when he comes to give a lesson. He is very opinionated and has no hesitation to loudly declare what he thinks.
Tony Kirby (20s to early 30s)
He is the fiancé of Alice, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kirby. A graduate of Yale and Cambridge and is vice president of Kirby and Co where Alice works. A personable young man, he sees how, even though the Sycamores appear odd, they are really a family to be admired. He’s rather envious of their joyful existence, because his own family is not all that happy, having many issues none of them will admit.
Anthony W. Kirby (Late 40s to 50s)
Father of Tony. He is a very successful, proper man, the president of Kirby and Co. but secretly is somewhat unhappy with his life. Throughout his life he’s done what he thought what was expected of him even though it was contrary to what he really wanted from life. Mr. Kirby wants his son to follow in his footsteps and is very disapproving of the Vanderhof family when he meets them. Because of which he questions his son’s engagement to Alice.
Wilbur C. Henderson (30s to 40s)
An employee of the IRS. As such he has a very stern nature. Initially the family mistakes him for Alice’s new suitor but in reality he has comes to collect the tax money owed by Martin Vanderhof. He is completely flummoxed when Grandpa explains why he sees no reason to pay income tax.
G-Man 1, G-Man 2 (Jim), G-Man 3 (Mac)
Three agents who come to investigate Ed because of the communist themed fliers he has printed up, such as "God is the State – the State is God", and has innocently distributed to the neighborhood.
Female Characters
Penelope Sycamore (Penny) (40s-50s)
She is the fluttery, gentle lady of the house. Wife to Paul, mother of Alice and Essie. She decided to become a playwright when a typewriter was delivered to their house by mistake, thus diverting her from her previous avocation as a painter. These hobbies make her quite happy but, unfortunately, she is terrible at both. She is a loving mother and wife with a generous spirit who is constantly concerned with the welfare of her family.
Alice Sycamore (20s)
Paul and Penny’s daughter. A lovely, fresh young girl and is what most people would consider a “normal” person in this family. She is a secretary at Kirby and Co. putting her in daily contact with the world outside the Sycamore home. This seems to have helped her escape the tinge of mild insanity that pervades the rest of the family. She is in love with Tony Kirby, the boss’ son. While her love for her family is readily apparent, she’s somewhat embarrassed by her family’s eccentricities and is nervous about Tony and his family meeting her unconventional family.
Essie Carmichael (20s to early 30s)
Like Alice, Essie is Penny and Paul’s daughter. She is the wife of Ed and has an endearing, child like nature. Essie is a pixie in toe shoes dancing everywhere she goes. She wants to be a dancer in the worst way--and, according to any unbiased observer, that is exactly what she is despite eight years of study with Boris Kolenkhov. Some basic ballet training is a plus for actresses auditioning for this role.
Rheba (20s to 40s)
While she’s the maid and cook to the Sycamore family, Rheba is much more of a member of the family than she is a servant. She probably understands this unusual family better than anyone. She has a strong, sparkling spirit with a good sense of humor and is extremely devoted to the Sycamore family. She is dating Donald. This role requires and African-American actress.
Miriam Kirby (Mrs. Kirby) (40s to 50s)
Wife of Mr. Kirby, mother of Tony. She is an extremely prim, proper and somewhat arrogant society woman. And being of the same mind and temperament as her husband is horrified by the goings-on in the Sycamore household. But even in her rigidity she is still a loving wife and mother. Her hobby, so she says, is spiritualism but in reality it’s more that it’s just the latest fad with her social set.
Gay Wellington (30 +)
A washed-up actress Penny met on a bus and has invited home to read one of her plays. She is an alcoholic, gets very drunk and passes out shortly after arriving at the Sycamore's home, just before the arrival of the Kirby family.
The Grand Duchess Olga Katrina (Mid 30s+)
She is regal and very grand because she was once was a Grand Duchesses in Russia before the revolution which forced her to flee to America. She misses her life of royalty, but accepts her new life because she is a true survivor. As such, she has found work as a waitress in Childs Restaurant. She loves to cook and wistfully reminisces of having once made blintzes for the Czar.
