You Can't Take It With You - Beverly's Terrace Plaza Playhouse

Opening this year of theater in Ogden, Beverly's Terrace Plaza Playhouse presented Geroge S. Kaufman and Moses Hart's classic, 1937 Pulitzer Prize-winning play "You Can't Take it With You."

With such classic material, it's hard to go wrong, and this show, directed by Charlene Adams was delightful. The set, designed by Dennis Ferrin, was wonderful, intricate, and quirky, resembling the cast of characters in the silly and sometimes poignant comedic drama.

Carolyn J. Stevens absolutely dazzled as Penny Sycamore. She channeled the role in a way few community theater actors touch. She was believable and touching, adding a level of humanity and personality that dwarfed every other actor on stage.

J. Michael Stevens, as Grandpa Vanderhof, had every audience member glued to him as he gave his final monologue. Well-executed, the world seemed to go away as he spoke with tenderness and authority. A high point of the show.

"You Can't Take it with You," is a skillfully crafted play that is for those wishing to escape to a different time. The play feels outdated and did not speak to contemporary audiences with its themes of "do what you love to do," and protest without passion. Each character loves their uniqueness and teach loving ones self, but essentially its about inner acceptance when today's world seems to have accepted itself, and seeks acceptance by those outside of ourselves. The message is a nice reminder and still lovely and important, I just fear today's audiences don't react as favorably due to the political and economic outlook.

For someone who has not attended a show at the TPP in many years, I was extremely pleased with the quality of this show and encourage all to check out the rest of their season and following.