MHS Drama Club to Present “You Can’t Take It with You”

The MHS Drama club has been working since January 2023 on their upcoming spring play production, George Kaufman and Moss Heart’s “You Can’t Take It With You”.

“You Can’t Take It With You” is a comedy set in the 1930s about how you can only live life to the fullest if you do what makes you happy. The play follows a family that is very unique and focuses on their daughter, Alice, who wishes to marry Tony, the son of a well known New York family.

Jeremy Kimberlin is directing his third show for the MHS Drama Club and is very excited to bring this show to Monroe High School. “This is the first show that I was able to pick for us to do”, Kimberlin stated. “We performed ‘Alice in Wonderland’ twice due to COVID interrupting our school year in 2020”.

When asked what his favorite memory from rehearsals from this comedic show has been, Kimberlin expressed a wrestling scene he was blocking with his actors being particularly comical due to their size differences and how the scene plays out.

Junior Stephen Ortiz is one of the leads for the play. He will be portraying the Grandpa, Martin Vanderhorl, who is a “very relaxed old man”. Ortiz talked about what it is like being able to play this character and how he has learned from the character’s philosophy.

“Overall I find it easy to relate to my character and honestly want to take his advice on enjoying life in the moment.” Said Ortiz. “The only problem for me really is learning how to slow down like Grandpa and really living in the moment.”

Ortiz also talked about how his favorite part of being a part of the show is being able to work with all of his classmates to put it together.

“They are all wonderful people and know how to relax and have fun, but still get things done. We all get closer as the show goes on and you can feel it being a safe place. With the cast, the crew, and Mr. Kimberlin, theater is where I rediscovered myself. After all, the people around you make the experience.”

Kimberlin hopes that audiences will pay attention to the timeless themes of the show, specifically looking at doing what you like to do and that you only have one life to live.

For five seniors, this will be their last production with the MHS Drama Club. Seniors Gabby Forester, Claire Deloah, Addison Chaffin, Kai Carradine, and Gabrielle Stewart will give their final curtain call in the MHS Auditorium on Sunday’s performance.

“You Can’t Take It With You” opens at the MHS Auditorium on Friday and Saturday March 10 and 11 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, March 12 at 2:00 PM. 

MHS Drama Club is run by Mrs. Rebecca Molenda and Mr. Jeremy Kimberlin and meet after school. Students that are interested in joining MHS Drama Club should see Mrs. Molenda or Mr. Kimberlin for more information.