Characters Boris Kolenkhov (Sean Wallace) and Martin Vanderhof (Phil Vampatella) in CLT’s production of “You Can’t Take it With You.” Submitted photo

Community Little Theater presents its third production of its 82nd season, “You Can’t Take It With You.” Set in the 1930’s, the play tells the story of the Sycamores, a quirky, fun and lovable family in which each member is committed to simply doing what makes them happy. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, with showtimes at at 7:30 p.m., on June 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25; and at 2 p.m. on June 19 and 26.

The family is headed by Grandpa Vanderhoff (Phil Vampatella), who collects snakes and doesn’t pay taxes. Among the rest of the family we have an aspiring ballerina, a hopeful playwright and a fireworks enthusiast. The one “normal” member of the family is Alice (Emily Flynn) who has chosen to work in an office, away from the craziness of her family. It all goes awry when Alice falls in love with her boss, Tony Kirby (David Moyse) , and invites him, and his ultra conservative parents, over for dinner. To make matters worse, the Kirby’s arrive on the wrong night, catching the Sycamores in all their eccentric glory!

Cast members Phil Vampatella (Martin Vanderhoff) , Emily Flynn (Alice Sycamore), Pam Mutty (Penelope Sycamore) and Paul Menezes (Paul Sycamore) rehearse a scene from the upcoming production of “You Can’t Take it With You.” Submitted photo

Director Kay Warren stated that this play is different from what she has done in the past. When asked why she chose this particular show, she stated “I really like this family, I love how open and free and accepting they are. Right now, our climate just isn’t that way so it’s a nice look into what we could be.” Warren explained that the character Martin Vanderhoff reminds her of her own great-grandfather. “He just wants his family to be happy, at every juncture, even if they are not doing the best, they are not the greatest, his response is ‘At least they’re happy!’”

An overall theme is acceptance and learning to not judge based on appearance or first impressions. “As we see with the Kirbys, you will miss out on so many great things by not accepting people for who they are,” Warren added.

The desk where Penelope Sycamore (Pam Mutty) does her playwriting, on the set of “You Can’t Take it With You.” Submitted photo

Set designer, Dan Burgess, stated that one of the challenges was creating an authentic 1930’s style interior while depicting the various interests of all members of the Vanderoff/Sycamore family. According to Burgess, every piece of furniture on the set is an actual antique from the early 20th century. The walls are covered with authentic vintage photographs and there is even an actual, working, 1930’s Crosley radio. Burgess states that in all his years with the theater and all the sets he’s built, this one is his favorite. The decor, the furniture and all the carefully selected details are certain to make the audience feel right at home in Martin Vanderhoff’s living room.

The production team for “You Can’t Take It With You” includes Kay Warren, Director; Jackie McDonald, Assistant Director and assistant Stage Manager; Emily Flynn, Producer; Greg Judd, Stage Manager; Nicole Frydrych, Prop Master; Jane Mitchell, Costumes; Effrum Morrill, Set Construction; Julie McDonald, Set Construction; Dan Burgess, Set Decor; Phil Vampatella; Set Construction; Kara McDonald; Matt Conklin, Lighting Designer; Chris L’Hommedieu, Sound Designer; Julie L’Hommedieu, Sound Assistant; Josie French, Publicity; Nancy Kenneally, Print Publicity; Sophie Wallace, hair and makeup.

CLT has been producing live theater since 1940. A volunteer, non-profit organization, our goal is to provide affordable and quality entertainment in the performing arts as well as education, training, and experience in theater for area youth. L/A Community Little Theatre productions are staged at Great Fall Performing Arts Center located at 30 Academy St., Auburn. Call 783-0958 or visit www.LACLT.com for tickets and information.

The production team for “You Can’t Take It With You,” from left, Gregory Judd, Chris McDonald, Julie McDonald, Dan Burgess, Jacie McDonald, Kay Warren, Emily Flynn, Chris L’Hommideau, Jane Mithchell, Sophie Wallace and Nancy Kenneally. Missing from photo are Phil Vampatella, Nicole Frydrych, Julie L’Hommideau, Matt Conklin and Josie French. Submitted photo