News Article

Tickets on Sale for Performances November 16-18

Nov 8, 2012

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ is Truly a Family Affair

Tickets on Sale for Performances November 16-18

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – Sarah Froeschle is an Edison stage veteran with a passion and purpose for theater. The lead role of Alice Sycamore in the zany Broadway classic “You Can’t Take It With You” is a significant career step for the aspiring actor. Little did Sarah know, Alice is more than an exciting new role. There’s family history behind her upcoming theater endeavor.

Sarah’s mother, Joy Ruhe, took on the role of Alice Sycamore for the Charlotte Players more than 20 years ago. Joy’s affinity for performing arts led her to countless productions but she left her theater days in the rearview mirror in order to raise a family. While she left her performing days in the past, Sarah would realize her future in theater.

Both performers had nearly identical paths to theater. Joy’s track to the stage began in junior high while living in Manchester, New Hampshire. She decided on a whim to audition for a professional production of “Peter Pan.” Her whim paid off and she was one of the talented few to snag a role amongst the nearly 500 who auditioned. That moment sparked a fire for theater that would become an important part of Joy’s life and be passed on to her daughter.

Sarah won her first role in “The Music Man” around the same age. She only ended up at auditions to support a friend during their audition. She decided to audition on impulse and earned a role against more than 200 others competing for a spot in the play. She began boarding school not long after and it was there that her passion began to flourish. She maintains an eager enthusiasm with every role she takes, especially in the case of Alice Sycamore. 

“Theater is a lot like being on a rollercoaster,” said Froeschle. “You’re really nervous before you get on for the first time but once you’re on the ride, it’s the best time of your life and you can’t wait to do it all over again. When I heard we would do ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ I knew right away I wanted to be a part of it.”

It wasn’t until Sarah already auditioned and won the role of Alice that the Froeschle family realized what was going on. “When Sarah told me she got the role as Alice in ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ I was pretty excited. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age so to see her in one of the same roles I played is a proud moment for me.” Joy said.

Their paths in theater have led to this moment and will come full circle on opening night.

Edison’s Charlotte Campus Theater Department will continue the legacy of celebrating the coming together of diversity and put their own touch on the loony Sycamore antics on Nov. 16.

Tickets for the show are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Showtimes are: November 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.; and at 2:30 p.m. on November 18. For more information and to get tickets, go to Edison.edu/charlotte/theatre or call (941) 637-3513.

Last Updated: November 8, 2012