Auditions for BSM’s fall play, “You Can’t Take It With You,” were held on Sept 8, and although they created stress for those trying to secure a role, the end result promises a hilarious rendition of writers George Kaufman and Moss Hart’s production.
“You Can’t Take It With You,” set to hit the BSM stage on Oct. 29, 30, and 31, is a story about life, romance, and an overall dysfunctional relationship between two very different families forced to try to tolerate the other. “In one sentence: it’s a drawing room farcical play,” said junior Ned Meeker who will be playing Donald, a servant to the Sycamore family, in the upcoming performance.
Competition was tough during auditions as there were 35 people trying out for 21 roles divided between only seven girls and 14 boys. “Auditions were very stressful. Everybody who auditioned had a lot of talent. I don’t think the directors had any easy decisions to make,” said Meeker.
There were even butterflies in the stomachs of the most experienced drama veterans. “I was actually more nervous for this audition than anything else I have auditioned for,” said senior Megan Collins, who has performed in three other BSM shows.
Because the fall play is not a musical this year, those auditioning had to memorize a one minute monologue which they thought best displayed their personality. Afterwards, the directors had them read for the part they were being considered for and started to make cuts from there, said senior Jack Tift who will be playing Paul.
Those auditioning had their work cut out for them. Like Tift, many students rehearsed their monologues countless times, trying to reassure themselves that it didn’t matter if they got in or not.
However, the stress of trying out now being over, the cast will spend the next month living and breathing drama in order to prepare for the upcoming performance. “Rehearsals are going well. We are moving at a good pace, and it’s so fun to watch everyone else finding their characters,” said Collins
Both Tift and Meeker will be performing in the play alongside Collins in her role as the main female lead. The other main character, Tony, will be played by Ben Zeman. “The audience is in for a thrilling story involving a lot of comedy and antics,” said Tift.
