A Father’s Play, a Son’s Interpretation

The amiable, often-revived Moss Hart/George S. Kaufman comedy “You Can’t Take It With You” may seem like familiar territory, but Christopher Hart’s staging for Actors Co-op is a revelation nonetheless. Where too many productions focus on screwball antics, this one mines deeper, affectionate, character-based humor (refreshing in an era of acid-drenched sneers).

As the son of one of the authors, Hart brings unbeatable credentials to the piece, delivering the goods with assured authenticity--from lavish period details to finely etched, memorable performances from a well-cast ensemble.

The romantic leads, secretary Alice and her boss’ son Tony (played with conviction and spunk by Nan McNamara and John Allsopp), anchor the piece in simple, heartfelt feeling that perfectly counterpoints the eccentricities of the girl’s large (and bizarre) extended family. When their exploits earn the disapproval of her fiance’s pompous father (David Schall), the strain of class differences spans decades with timeless resonance.

Despite some dated elements and occasional overplaying, Hart keeps comedy rooted in human truths underlying the jokes. Case in point: the Russian aristocrat-turned-waitress (Kristina Lankford), in whom Hart ensures we see not just a kook but a reminder that true class is not reflected in the size of a bank account.

It’s left to veteran Alan Young’s Grandpa, the clan’s breezy, quietly rebellious patriarch, to articulate the play’s most eloquent lessons about enjoying life, which he does with impeccable dignity and grace. As a company dedicated to human values, tolerance and artistic quality, Actors Co-op has met all three goals handsomely here.

BE THERE

“You Can’t Take It With You,” Crossley Terrace Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends Nov. 7. $17. (323) 462-8460. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes.