“You Can’t Take it With You” was Southwest Minnesota State University’s Theatre’s first main stage show of the year. The comedy’s performances were Oct. 25-29 at 7:30 P.M. and Oct. 30 at 2 P.M.

“You Can’t Take it With You” is a Pulitzer Prize winning play written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. It’s a classic American comedy that has been making people smile for over 80 years.

The play takes place in the 1930s. It centers around the rather eccentric characters of the Sycamore family. Alice Sycamore – who is their more conventional daughter – falls in love with Tony Kirby, who is the son of Miriam and Anthony W. Kirby, who are well-off financially. Mayhem ensues when Tony brings his family over for dinner one night and several government agents show up, as well as an exiled Grand Duchess, a drunken actress, and a Russian dance teacher.

“You Can’t Take it With You” was directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre and SMSU Theatre Arts alumnus Mike Lenz of Cottonwood, Minn., who is also the scenic, lighting, and sound designer, and technical director. Professor of Theatre Sheila Tabaka of Marshall, Minn., was the costume designer. Jaylee Schanus, a sophomore Theatre Arts major from Willmar, Minn., was the Stage Manager. Professor of Theatre Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, S.D., was the producer.

This was an excellent play. If the opportunity to see this play presents itself, it is recommended.

This play gets five out of five spurs.