Honor the playwright's structure.
In 35 years, the only changes I've made have been to Shakespeare or scripts in public domain.
I think your license agreement to produce requires no changes to "the script" without permission. So if you decide you must make changes, please get permission and then let all your team (and administration) know you've dotted your i's and crossed your t's.
Three act plays (or more) seem a little dated to how we are attuned to today's offerings of 2 - 21/2 hour dramas or comedies or 2 1/2 a 3 hour musicals - all generally two acts in length. But I have done YCTIWY three times, all three times with a longer interval between I and II and a briefer pause between II and III. I feel these Act breaks actually served the play very well.
Things that help: clearly indicate in the program and on a stand at audience entrances these breaks and allotted times. Use house lighting to help this communication: full lights for a full intermission and half lights for the briefer pause. If you give your audience knowledge up front, they will respond knowledgeably.
It's a lovely play - I never tire from it. Enjoy!
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Wayne Kischer
West Des Moines IA
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-13-2018 06:57
From: Julie Hanisch
Subject: You Can't Take it With You
We did one 15 min intermission after the fireworks explode in the basement. It went fine.
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Julie Hanisch
English/Drama Teacher/PAC Manager
Mukwonago WI
Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2018 12:13
From: Mary Valdez
Subject: You Can't Take it With You
When performing You Can't Take it With You, how many take two intermissions vs. one. Should it be broken up into three acts, or is it more standard to do the traditional two acts?
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Mary Valdez
Wichita KS
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