Family dynamics take centre stage in You Can’t Take It With You
Dr. Frank MacKinnon, one of Canada’s preeminent political scientists, once observed that democracy is in danger when politicians take themselves and their movements too seriously. “People’s lives include more than political identities and activities,” MacKinnon noted – and almost 20 years after his death in 2006, this comment rings truer than ever. Headline after headline reveals exactly what happens when power, money, and partisan rhetoric are privileged at the expense of love, laughter, family, friendship, and other things that bind us together as humans.
Not surprisingly, MacKinnon was a longtime advocate for the performing arts, being the guiding light behind the Confederation Centre for the Arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. He understood that arts and culture can bring a spark of light to a world where people – politicians included – can sometimes take themselves too seriously.
That’s also how the cast and crew of You Can’t Take It With You feels about their upcoming production at the FLATO Academy Theatre.
This comedy – written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart and first performed in 1936 – concerns the lives of the extended Sycamore family who delight in doing what makes them happy, even if their pastimes are perhaps undoubtedly eccentric — Paul Sycamore putters with fireworks in the family basement, while his wife Penny is an amateur playwright whose work is apparently quite wanting. When their daughter brings home her suitor’s dignified parents, chaos and laughter ensue.
Over the course of this three-act show, audiences will become acquainted with a lovable cast of characters whose personality quirks and interactions with other people speak profoundly of what it means to be human in a world full of perplexities and uncertainties.
Seamus McCann has been cast as the dynamic Paul Sycamore. “This is a timely play, given the current political climate and the state of community and family,” McCann remarks. Echoing the thoughts of Frank MacKinnon, McCann says that You Can’t Take It With You “…reminds us that life is more than just the day-to-day grind, politics, and work. It’s about family, community, and connection.”
Kelly Mitchell, who has performed on stage at the Academy Theatre for some 30 years, agrees. “This show offers a chance to experience dynamics between two families,” says Mitchell, who portrays the grandfatherly family patriarch. “Audiences can laugh along and see how relevant this play is today, even though it was written nearly 100 years ago.”
For a teacher like Tara Arnold, who takes on two roles in the production, You Can’t Take It With You offers a number of lessons that she hopes might be imparted to audiences. “I have students I teach who I’ve encouraged to attend,” Arnold tells Kawartha Lakes Weekly. “This play offers a nice, wholesome message about family values, being together, and enjoying life.”
Directed by Andrew Archibald and Alli Merritt, You Can’t Take It With You goes up at the FLATO Academy Theatre on May 16 at 7:00 p.m, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at flatoacademytheatre.com or through the theatre box office.
