Witty, wacky fun: Surfside Playhouse stages classic comedy 'You Can't Take It with You'

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Looking for a night of laughter, unforgettable characters and unbridled creative expression? Surfside Playhouse will stage the classic comedy "You Can't Take It With You," with a run from April 28 through May 14.

Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, "You Can't Take It With You" first premiered on Broadway in 1936 and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama the following year. The play has since become a beloved classic, known for its humorous portrayal of a quirky family that values living in the moment over pursuing wealth and success.

The show promises to be a fun-filled romp, showcasing the zany antics of the eccentric Sycamore family as they navigate life in Depression-era New York City.

"'You Can’t Take It With You' is a large cast comedy bordering on farce," said artistic director Bryan Bergeron.

"With homemade fireworks exploding, an eight-year unaccomplished student of ballet rehearsing constantly around the house, a printing press and xylophone creating a strange cacophony of noises, and banished Russian royalty helping to make dinner, you realize that 'eccentric' is not a strong enough adjective - and this only scratches the surface," he said.

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Led by the lovable and quirky Grandpa Vanderhof (Bob Buckley), the family members each have their own unique interests and passions. But when Alice (Sarah Hall), the "normal" granddaughter of the family, falls in love with Tony Kirby (Matt Hall), the son of a wealthy Wall Street tycoon, chaos ensues as the two families collide.

The show features the talents of 17 Brevard actors who have had a ball rehearsing the show, according to Bergeron. "The eccentric nature of this family allows the actors to truly 'play' when discovering their characters," he said. "It’s fun to witness their journey."

"I really enjoy the actors laughing at themselves and breaking character. The show is funny and at times they can’t help themselves."

Surfside's cast also includes Chris Tsocanos as "Ed Carmichael," Marissa Kemp as "Essie Carmichael," Joanne Maio as "Penelope Sycamore," Liz Keimer as "Mrs. Miriam Kirby," Bibiana Dolcin as "Rheba," Malinda Villain as "The Grand Duchess," Michael Fiore as "Paul Sycamore," Thomas Navo as "Mr. Anthony Kirby Sr.," Todd Magnusson as "Boris Kolenkhov," Joel Shugars as "The Man," David Hill as "Gay Wellington," Marco Urbanic as "Donald," Doug Sontag as "William Henderson," Chuck Sheridan as "Second Man" and William MacKenzie as "Third Man."

Audiences can expect a night of laughter as the cast delivers witty one-liners and hilarious physical comedy. But beyond the laughs and spectacle, "You Can't Take It With You" also offers some poignant commentary on the value of individuality, creativity, and the true meaning of success.

As the Sycamores teach us, life is too short to worry about money and status. It's the moments we share with our loved ones that truly matter.

"It’s always a pleasure to direct a show that is funny and and that also has genuine heart added to the mix," Bergeron said.

If you go

'You Can't Take It With You'

Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through May 14. There will be a special Saturday matinee on May 13 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $28 for adults, $25 for seniors, students and military

Info: 321-783-3127

On the web: surfsideplayhouse.com

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'You Can't Take It with You' at Surfside Playhouse