MIHS Drama Presents 'You Can't Take It With You'

In equal parts comedic farce and a sharp satire, Mercer Island High School's Drama production, , Jan. 26 at 7:30 in 's Performing Arts Center.

A play in three parts written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, the focus is a clash of two families and cultures in the 1930s. Alice Sycamore is in love with Tony Kirby, but when the two families meet for the first time, chaos ensues.

First-year drama teacher Daniela Melgar described the play as "silly, sweet, and funny," yet a story all can relate to.

"(It's about) our significant others meeting our crazy family members," she said. "It's a famous American comedy that works well for this age group, and provides opportunities for great character work."

The play includes ballerinas, a cat, government agents, an explosives inventor, a Russian dance instructor, a scatterbrained artist and writer, uptight parents, a pianist, and a carefree, tax-evading Grandpa.

All the students but one is a senior (Brianna Ford, playing the part of "Grandpa"), and have all been involved in the drama program for many years, including several who are current and former Youth Theatre Northwest members.

"They are all very talented, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them," said Melgar. "We put on A Midsummer Night's Dream in November, and started rehearsing for this the next week. No rest for these guys."

Melgar, who taught english at Eastside Catholic before joining the faculty at MIHS, was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Diego. She attended University of California, San Diego and CalArts with degrees in Theatre and Acting.

Leads: Brianna Ford (Grandpa), Chase Anderegg (Tony), Brynne Henry (Alice), Jessica Kindred (Penny Sycamore), and Ford Appleton (Paul Sycamore).