IRT closes 2018-2019 season with classic American comedy

Indiana Repertory Theatre closes season with classic American comedy
Pulitzer Prize-winning You Can’t Take It With You ignites fireworks of laughter

Indianapolis, Ind.—For its 2018-2019 season closer, the Indiana Repertory Theatre will produce one of the most popular plays in the American canon, You Can’t Take It With You. On the OneAmerica Mainstage April 23 - May 19, the iconic madcap comedy written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman explores the importance of finding happiness in the everyday, featuring eccentric characters who unapologetically pursue joy by playing the xylophone, dancing, making candy, throwing darts and more.

You Can’t Take It With You proves that money isn’t everything, especially when love and joy—whether found through relationships or hobbies—are involved. Last produced at the IRT in 1982, the Pulitzer Prize-winning show’s appeal comes from not only its hilarious cast of characters, but also how its meaning changes as society changes.

“There are many reasons You Can’t Take It With You might be considered the Great American Comedy,” Director Peter Amster said. “For me its greatness rests in the fact that it seems to be a different play, focused on different concerns, every time it appears on the American stage. It feels relevant in every age, and that makes it an enduring masterpiece.”

Written in 1936 during the Great Depression, the work provided audiences with an escape from the financial struggles and a reminder of the importance of balance in life. Today, this production again highlights the debate of the pursuit of money versus the pursuit of happiness, as well as the need for tolerance, acceptance, curiosity and joy. 

“The play invites us to consider cultural and ethnic differences and how that makes our world a more interesting place,” IRT’s Executive Artistic Director Janet Allen said. “The Sycamores, the central family of the play, are quintessential Americans: living their freedom through their various passions, helping those in need, observing family traditions and questioning social class distinctions.”

Including Director Peter Amster, this production has multiple designers and cast members who have worked with the IRT over the decades, ranging from the early years of the Theatre to earlier this season. Featuring one of the largest casts in recent years with 18 members, and a show packed with even bigger laughs, this season finale will be full of all-around fun.

Gather your fireworks, typewriters, candy-making supplies and xylophones, because tickets for this madcap comedy are selling fast!

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  April 23 - May 19, various times. You Can’t Take It With You is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. 

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:

JANYCE CARABALLO | Alice
JOEY COLLINS | Boris Kolenkhov
ROBERT ELLIOTT | Martin Vanderhof
MEHRY ESLAMINIA | Essie
MOLLY GARNER | Gay Wellington
SCOT GREENWELL | Henderson & Third Man
MICHAEL HOSP | First Man
AARON KIRBY | Tony Kirby
JAMES LEAMING | Paul Sycamore
DAVID LIVELY | Mr. Kirby
JAN LUCAS | Olga
CARLOS MEDINA MALDONADO | Ed
BRIANNA MILAN | Rheba
CARMEN ROMAN | Mrs. Kirby
ZACHARIAH STONEROCK | Second Man
ADAM TRAN | Donald
ANSLEY VALENTINE | Mr. De Pinna
MILICENT WRIGHTMILICENT WRIGHT | Penelope Sycamore
​
PETER AMSTER | Director
LINDA BUCHANAN | Scenic Design
TRACY DORMAN | Costume Design
MICHAEL LINCOLN | Lighting Design
ANDREW HOPSON | Composer & Sound Design
LERALDO ANZALDUA | Movement and Fight Direction


SPECIAL EVENTS:

GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Thursday, April 25, 2019 | Performance at 7:30 PM
Join the Indiana Repertory Theatre for our third annual Girls Night Out event on April 25. Grab a group of friends and enjoy a night of shopping, local libations, bites and more! The event will conclude before the IRT’s hilarious season closer You Can't Take It With You. Learn more about the event here.

OPENING NIGHT
Friday, April 26, 2019 | Performance at 7:30 PM
Raise a glass and salute the cast at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, the marquee lights shine bright as you’re treated to a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres, and invited to a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans. 

IRTEA TALK
Sunday, May 5, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
After the performance enjoy tea, cookies and coffee while engaging in a post-show discussion with IRT actors, cast and guests.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 5, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.  

COOKIES & COFFEE
Thursday, May 9, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Cookies and coffee will satisfy your sweet tooth, and our production will leave you wanting more! Luckily, you can have a sweet experience at the IRT’s Cookie and Coffee matinee where cookies, coffee and tea can be enjoyed before the 2 PM performance. 

BACKSTAGE TOUR
Thursday, May 9, 2019 | Following the 2 PM performance
Immediately following this performance, join IRT staff for an explorative and informative backstage tour. Tours typically last 30 minutes.

HAPPY HOUR
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 | Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM | Performance at 6:30 PM
Imbibe like a local at IRT’s Happy Hour! Happy Hour starts at 5:30 PM, an hour before the performance. Sip on local libations and then nosh on mouth-watering nibbles.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Tuesday, May 14, 2019  |  Performance at 6:30 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

For more information contact Kerry Barmann, Marketing Communications Manager at kbarmann@irtlive.com or 317.916.4824.

###

ABOUT THE IRT
Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community.

---