Every generation thinks they live in a crazy world compared to the generation before them.
But, how would you feel if your dad and his good friend were creating fireworks in your basement? And, your mom spent her days trying to become a successful playwright? Meanwhile, your sister dances her way through each day, constantly practicing to become a ballerina, while her husband ekes out a living selling candies with catchy slogans printed on his printing press set up in your living room.
That’s Alice Sycamore’s everyday home life in the Bothell High Theatre Arts production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “You Can’t Take it With You,” opening at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 in the Northshore Performing Arts Center (NPAC), 9180 N.E. 180th St., Bothell.
Written in 1936, the film adaptation won the 1938 Academy Award for Best Film starring Jimmy Stewart. The classic play features the eccentric, loving Sycamore family. Alice Sycamore falls in love with the wealthy Tony Kirby and becomes engaged. Hilarity ensues when his wealthy, traditional family is introduced to the unconventional Sycamores.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 in the NPAC, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 9. The Jan. 14 show will be American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted for the hearing impaired by Bothell High ASL instructor Andy Gault and Patye Nguyen, a freelance ASL interpreter.
It’s the eccentricities of the characters that audience members will enjoy.
“Many people can relate to having an eccentric grandfather, an overly friendly mother or familiar family friend,” explains senior Kevin Lin.
Lin portrays Tony Kirby, the young vice president of his father’s company. Upon meeting the Sycamore family, he sees how much Alice’s family cares about each other, and realizes his own family’s shortcomings.
Fellow senior Jessica Atkinson portrays Alice’s kooky but loving mother, Penny.
“It’s a great play because it has a really good message about family and what really matters in life. I think people of all ages will really enjoy it,” Atkinson said.
Bothell High junior Tucker Cholvin, who plays Martin Vanderhof, Alice’s grandfather, loves the role he was cast in by theater-arts instructor and director James Wilson.
“Grandpa is charming, friendly, witty and loves everything he does — it’s hard not to enjoy playing a part like that,” explained Cholvin.
“The best part of being involved in ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ is being in a group of highly capable and very funny people who are excited about doing a great play with an excellent director. And when you add all those things up, you’ve got a great show on your hands.”
Tickets for ‘You Can’t Take it With You’ will be $8 adults and $5 students with an ASB card. Ticket sales begin one hour prior to showtime.
For information, visit www.bothelldrama.org or e-mail bhsdramaboosters@gmail.com.
