With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.
- William Shakespeare
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
You CAN’t take it with you
by Dogwood Theatre Company
With You Can’t Take It With You, the classic American comedy bursts to life with warmth, wit, and a joyful celebration of individuality. This beloved Pulitzer Prize–winning play follows the delightfully unconventional Sycamore family, whose free-spirited approach to life clashes hilariously with the rigid expectations of the outside world. At the center is Alice Sycamore, who falls in love with her boss’s son, only to discover just how different their families truly are. What unfolds is a charming and chaotic exploration of love, acceptance, and the courage to live life on your own terms. Filled with eccentric characters, quick humor, and heart, You Can’t Take It With You reminds us that happiness isn’t measured by wealth, but by the freedom to be yourself.
Evenings of July 16, 17, 18, and matinees on July 18 & 19
Location
Lawrenceville Arts Center, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Dogwood Theatre Company
PAST PRODUCTIONS
2025
Merrily We Roll Along
by Dogwood Theatre Company
With Merrily We Roll Along, the traditional showbiz musical is turned on its head. This thrilling fable is about friendship, compromise, and the high price of success. Merrily We Roll Along begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer, Franklin Shepard, and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered. Merrily We Roll Along crackles with the wit, humor, and intensity that embody the spirit of New York City. It is a spirited and moving cautionary tale for anyone who has ever pursued a dream.
In July 2025, Dogwood Theatre Company’s cast and crew again captivated audiences via a musical, this time bravely pivoting to a deeper, more sophisticated tale. The troupe stretched different artistic muscles, striking different, more serious chords than ever before. The result of their versatility – a truly touching week of performances. Once again Gwinnett Creativity Fund supported the production via a project grant and Hebron Christian Academy provided a first-class venue.
2024
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a beloved story by famed English author Charles Dickens. His novella, published on December 19th, 1843, was an instant success. A Christmas Carol recounts the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, a mean and miserly old curmudgeon. Late in Scrooge’s life he is visited by several ghosts, first by that of his former business partner Jacob Marley, then by the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. The hauntings teach Scrooge the errors of his ways and, more importantly, that it is never too late to find and share kindness, happiness, and love.
Now an annual tradition, Fezziwig Foundation produces A Christmas Carol each Christmastime for families and friends far and wide. This special one act version of Dickens’ classic is adapted and performed by Dogwood Theatre Company. Fezziwig Foundation arranges pre-show cocoa, coffee, and carols with the costumed cast to warm tummies and hearts to the fullest!
2024
AnaStasia
From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Anastasia the Musical transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Dogwood Theatre Company’s Summer 2024 performance of Anastasia was the troupe’s second consecutive successful musical, performed by its biggest cast, making for an extraordinary production! Over four shows, Anastasia was seen by over 700 patrons, thanks in large part to Hebron Christian Academy’s beautiful new theatre facilities, loving students and staff, and supportive leadership. This was the third straight year Fezziwig Foundation secured a project grant from Gwinnett Creativity Fund, validating the continuing value of our mission to warm hearts in the community through Christian-oriented performing arts.
2023
iNTO THE wOODS
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a modern classic. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break it. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
Dogwood Theatre Company performed Into the Woods, the troupe’s first-ever musical, at Hebron Christian Academy in Dacula, Georgia in July 2023. With Fezziwig Foundation producing, Dogwood’s cast and crew put on an amazing show, in fact persevering through a pair of pesky power outages along the way! Over 600 patrons were dazzled, with six corporate sponsors, meaningful donations from nine families, and a grant from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund making it all possible.
2022
Clue: On Stage
Adapted from the Paramount Pictures film written by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc. Written by Sandy Rustin, additional material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price.
In late July 2022, Dogwood Theatre Company brilliantly performed Clue: On Stage out of the Mainstage Theatre at Lawrenceville Arts Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia, with Ruth Rodriguez directing. Fezziwig Foundation produced the show, hosting just shy of 800 patrons that weekend. The production was backed by seven corporate sponsors, meaningful donations from over a dozen families, and a significant grant from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund. Lawrenceville Arts Center staff reported exclusively positive comments from patrons, i.e. 100% positive reviews. A wonderful time was had by all, especially at Saturday night’s finale, a sellout!
2021
Arsenic and Old Lace
Arsenic and Old Lace is a play by American playwright Joseph Kesselring, written in 1939. It has become best known through the 1944 film adaptation starring Cary Grant and directed by Frank Capra. The play was produced by Lindsay and Crouse and directed by Bretaigne Windust, opening on Broadway at the Fulton Theatre on January 10, 1941. It was presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service Inc., New York.
This was Dogwood Theatre Company’s inaugural performance. During July 2021, Dogwood hosted nearly 500 patrons across four shows with Steven Forster skillfully directing the cast and crew. The launch endeavor for the new Dogwood troupe was a triumph of volunteerism and entrepreneurial spirit. Extraordinary kindness from Hebron Christian Academy’s faculty and staff, costumes guru Laura Lewis, and set designer/builder Randy Allison enabled Dogwood’s success, propelling the company forward.
