A Heartfelt Comedy Brings Big Meaning to the Lofte

Madison E. M. Garey

Enjoy your life. Take time to appreciate moments of quiet away from the daily rush. Avoid the kind of work that wears down your spirit. And above all, value the people around you. These timeless ideas sit at the heart of You Can’t Take It With You by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, now playing at the Lofte Community Theatre.

At its core, the story follows a familiar path. Two young people fall in love, but their families come from very different worlds. Tony Kirby (Wyatt Baker) is raised in a wealthy, structured household, while Alice Sycamore (Shelby Spencer) belongs to a lively and unconventional family. When these two families meet, the result is a whirlwind of confusion, humor, and tension. The play gently asks whether love—and a genuine appreciation for others—can matter more than money and social standing.

This production succeeds largely because of its strong and engaging cast. Ken Snyder brings warmth and wisdom to the role of Grandfather, grounding the story with a clear sense of what truly matters in life. Deanna Walz adds charm as a well-meaning mother devoted to her creative pursuits, while Randy Wallace delivers a playful and amusing performance as Paul Sycamore. Rebekah Petersen stands out as Essie, whose enthusiasm and sweetness make her a joy to watch, even as her ballet skills are intentionally less than perfect.

Stan Tracey and Alexandra Geditz contribute nicely as Boris and Olga, adding energy and personality to the ensemble. Their accents are mostly consistent, with only occasional slips that do little to distract from their performances.

The central relationship between Alice and Tony is clear in intention, though it does not always feel as natural as it could. While both actors understand their roles, the chemistry between them feels somewhat restrained, making it harder at times to fully invest in their romance.

Despite its three-act structure and runtime of over two hours, the show maintains a steady pace. There is constant movement on stage—characters entering and exiting, meals being prepared, and action unfolding across different levels of the set. This sense of activity keeps the production lively and engaging, and the cast handles the busy staging with impressive coordination.

Visually, the show is well done. The Sycamore home is full and detailed, reflecting the family’s wonderfully chaotic way of life. Costumes capture the style of the 1930s and add to the overall atmosphere. Technical elements, including fireworks effects, smoke, and lighting, are used effectively and bring moments of real excitement. A few minor microphone issues did occur, but they were brief and did not significantly impact the experience.

In the end, You Can’t Take It With You offers a meaningful reminder that life is not defined by wealth or status, but by the connections we build and the joy we share with others. This production delivers that message with both heart and humor, making it a worthwhile and enjoyable evening of theatre for the community.

You Can’t Take It With You Performances are March 26, 27, 28, & 29. Shows start at 7:00 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2:00 on Sundays. To get tickets for You Can’t Take It With You Click the link below or call 402-234-2553.