Community Theatre Performs You Can't Take It With You at MECC

If laughter is the best medicine, then the Mountain Empire Community Theatre may have just the right prescription for you.  On March 24, 25, 26, 29, and 30, the group will present the 1936 Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy You Can't Take It With You.  Performances will take place at 7 p.m. on all days except March 26 when a Sunday matinee performance is scheduled for 3 p.m.  All shows will be held in the Goodloe Center on the campus of MECC.

You Can't Take It With You, written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, tells the story of an unusually misfit Depression-era family who all exist under the same roof, but go in many different directions.  Grandpa wonders why anyone should have to pay an income tax since he has never paid a cent; Penny keeps writing plays she never finishes on a typewriter that just showed up one day; and Mr. DePinna is working on his latest get-rich fireworks concoction.  The family goes in every direction until the wealthy Kirby family arrives.

"I'm sure the audience will find the play wonderfully funny," says Dr. Joel Bailey, creator of the Mountain Empire Community Theatre and Developmental English and Speech Professor at the college.  "The cast members still laugh at their own lines."

The Community Theatre group gives members an opportunity to act or help produce family productions for community enjoyment.  It currently consists of 22 actors and 10 individuals who help with sets, lighting, and sound systems. The Theatre is open to anyone and no prior experience is required.

"Some of the actors have prior experience in theatre and some haven't," states Bailey.  "However, I believe everyone will be amazed at how wonderful the production is."

Ticket prices for You Can't Take It With You are $8 general admission and $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID.  Tickets will be sold at the door.  Groups may purchase in advance.  For more information about the Mountain Empire Community Theatre or the upcoming play, contact Bailey (276) 523-2400, extension 221 or jbailey@me.vccs.edu.

The Mountain Empire Community Theatre will perform You Can't Take It With You on March 24, 25, 26, 29, and 30.  All performances will be held in the Goodloe Center on the MECC campus at 7 p.m., except for March 26 when a Sunday matinee will be held at 3 p.m.

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