‘You Can’t Take It with You’ cast prepares to bring laughter and love to middle school auditorium

Nov. 4, 2026

By Cathia Nogueira
Staff Writer

Lyndhurst Middle School’s stage will soon come alive with chaos, laughter and quirky characters in LHS’ production of “You Can’t Take It with You,” a romantic comedy that celebrates the importance of enjoying life, family and individuality. The curtain will rise on Nov. 12-13 at 6:30 p.m., with tickets costing $10.

Written by George Kaufman and Moss Hart, “You Can’t Take It with You” is set in 1930s New York City and follows the eccentric Sycamore family, whose unconventional ways are challenged when their daughter Alice’s wealthy fiancé, Tony Kirby, and his parents visit their home for the first time.

Director Ms. Coppola, who has directed LHS’ plays for the past 21 years, said she chose the show because it allows her to feature 20 student actors.

FACT BOX BY ALESSANDRA RICRA

“I wanted to have a large cast, and this script appealed to me because there are a lot of oddball characters,” Coppola said. “I felt as though I had the right actors to bring those oddball characters to life.”

The play’s title reflects one of its central messages: relationships and personal happiness matter more than wealth or possessions.

“It’s the idea that the important aspects of life are not necessarily material objects,” Coppola said. “It’s the people you spend time with, and the activities that you devote yourself to and your own personal betterment.”

Sophomore Olive Bautista, who joined the play last year, is portraying the lovestruck Alice.

She said she and Alice are different because Alice is embarrassed by her family.

“I felt as though I had the right actors to bring those oddball characters to life.”

“I would embrace my family, and I would not want them to change just to impress my in-laws,” Bautista said.

However, Bautista said she relates to Alice’s desire to make a positive impression on the people she meets.

“We are both people pleasers, but I would not people-please to that degree,” Bautista said. “I do not like how she is ashamed of her family.”

She said LHS’ theater program extends beyond the performances. It is also about making memories with fellow castmates.

“I love everything about rehearsal. Stepping into the theater itself gives me so many memories of my friends… and after a long day of schoolwork, I get to act and do something I love,” Bautista said.

She said some of her strongest friendships have formed behind the scenes of the plays and musicals she has been part of.

“A lot of times, funny things happen in the dressing rooms, like people dancing,” Bautista said. “So, that’s where a lot of the bonding comes from.”

Sophomore Elias Cardona, who joined the play this year, portrays Alice’s offbeat but wise grandpa.

Cardona said he and Grandpa are alike in taking pleasure in everyday occurrences.

“He believes that everyone should live life to the fullest while also being very joyful and comedic,” Cardona said.

While they share some similarities, Cardona said he and Grandpa respond differently to disorder.

“He’s very calm during crazy situations and enjoys the chaos, while I would probably start panicking,” Cardona said.

Cardona said he has enjoyed bringing Grandpa to life onstage.

“I get to be very expressive with my character and get to connect to my castmates,” Cardona said. “We all get along well, and after all, the more chemistry the cast has, the better end product the show brings.”

BROADCAST BY KADEN BRATTOLI AND JOEY ROMEO