Friday: Farce Comes to Columbia HS

No matter that Sandy delayed the production, it's all about timing for this year's Parnassian Society production. You Can’t Take It with You, the classic Kaufman and Hart farce, will be performed on Thursday, November 29, Friday, November 30, and Saturday, December 1 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, December 2 at 2 p.m. 

Director Stephen Stubelt has been fine-tuning the cast's comic timing for the farce. “The message of this hysterical show is that each family is unique in its own way and our families make us who we are. This is a comedy about family and the Parnassian cast has become a family while working on the show," said Stubelt.

A longtime community theatre veteran, Stubelt and his wife, CHS teacher Janet Bustrin, collaborate on the Parnassian productions. In past years, they have produced Medea, Our Town, and a broad range of shows.

You Can’t Take It with You is, says Bustrin, "set-heavy." The crew has reproduced an entire living and dining room, full of period props. Bustrin trolled yard sales and thrift stores to find exactly what the production demanded.

The show is humorous and timing is key, as Stubelt told the cast on a recent evening. The high school cast and crew took him at his word, putting away snacks, homework and phones the minute rehearsal began. Those onstage and off focused on the actors at work.

The cast of You Can’t Take It with You includes Anthea Marley, Kiyomi Taylor, Tess Cohen, Dan Zona, Dan Rego, Max Goldner, Aaron Swayne, Greg Roman, Austin Bommer, David Carliner, Arthur Hunking, Jackson Scalera, Erin Reininga, Ben Szydlowski, Lara Phillips, Harrison Clarke, Eli Weisenfeld, Alex Schuetz, and Iris Garrison-Driscoll. Stage Manager is Katie Chew with lighting by Jordan Richards.

Tickets are $12. Reservations can be made by contacting Janet Bustrin at 973-713-6866.