LEBEC, CA-The Frazier Mountain FOCUS Central performed a theatrical version of “You Can’t Take It With You” with ASL interpreters at the Fountain Mountain High school starting on May 1 and ending on May 4. The comedy by Moss Hart and George S. Kauffman won a Pulitzer Prize and an Academy Award. The performance was directed by Peter Kjenaas.

 

FOCUS Central defines itself on their website as a “non-profit that brings visual, performing, and vocational art instruction and productions to the Frazier Mountain community of Southern Kern County…[they] began after-school classes in fine arts, dance, drama and music in 2002 for all ages. In 2003, [they] introduced musicals, community showcases and summer art camps; 2004 brought on the advent of the theatrical productions. Twelve years later, [they] continue to offer after-school programming, theatrical productions, summer art camps, recitals and field trips.”

 

The show was shown on May 1, 2 and 3 at 7:00 p.m.; and an ASL interpreted version of the show was shown at 2:00 p.m. on May 4. Tickets for the show was $10 for adults and $5 for students when purchased online. At the door, tickets were sold to adults for $15 and $8 to students.

 

The show was sponsored by Kern County Board of Trade, the Fountain Mountain High School (FMHS) Drama Club, Tejon Ranch and ITT TECH.

 

Canyon News contacted Frazier Mountain FOCUS Central’s President and Co-founder, Teresa Le Gault for more information on the event. When asked if the play was inspired by Frank Capra’s 1938 production of “You Can’t Take It With you,” LeGault told Canyon News that “the movie starring Jimmy Stewart had added scenes outside the Sycamore home. The play stays within the walls of the very worn, Victorian home with all family members and guests coming and going.”

 

LeGault proceeded to explain “[their] performance had young drama students working with the theater veteran Beans Morocco as Grandpa and Delaney Peterson as Penny. The students had been studying stage acting in an after-school drama program at the Frazier Mountain High School which was organized by the non-profit arts organization FOCUS Central. Peter Kjenaas from Oregon Shakespeare and Mountain Shakespeare was the instructor and director. The students had extensive training in blocking, movement, comedy, vocal exercises and acting. The ages of the actors for 17 roles were 12 to 16 years old. [The] young performers were able to deliver the story and the unique characters, and give the audience an enjoyable evening.”

 

LeGault indicated that the production had great success, and the theater had a few empty chairs on Thursday and Friday since it conflicted with sporting events at the school. Chairs had to be added to the theater, which holds 65 seats, on Saturday and Sunday matinee performances to accommodate the attendees.


Frazier Mountain High School had been lacking a proper drama department and teacher for the last four years; any proceeds from the performance went towards building a better drama department for stage facility, and a costume and set design program.

 

LeGault informed Canyon News that, “The Kern Board of Trade grant enabled us to create a web site and advertise for a performance featuring ASL interpreters. We had two signers that divided up the characters in the play. This was our first ASL event. We have an after-school ASL class taught by Shanene Laudenberg and we’re very encouraged to plan more ASL events.”