NGU to Present ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ at Billingsley Theatre
Posted on: February 12, 2025
Tigerville, SC—North Greenville University Theatre will present ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ at the Billingsley Theatre beginning February 20.
The show follows the lives of the delightfully unconventional Sycamore family, a group of free-spirited dreamers who live life on their own terms. From firework-making to xylophone-playing, the Sycamore’s joyful pursuit of happiness is thrown into chaos when their daughter Alice, the only “normal” one, falls in love with the son of a straight-laced, wealthy family.
“When the Kirbys arrive for dinner on the wrong night, the stark contrast between the two families sets off a series of comedic misunderstandings, reminding us all that life is best lived with love and lots of guffaws,” said Joshua Scott, director of ‘You Can’t Take it With You.’
Through this production, Scott said the audience will be reminded of what truly matters in this life.
“At its heart, this production is about what truly matters—relationships over riches, experiences over status, and choosing joy,” he said. “I hope the audience leaves not only entertained but also reminded that wealth and possessions are fleeting, while love, family, and genuine happiness endure. The Sycamores may be eccentric, but their commitment to embracing life’s adventures with open arms is something we can all admire.”
Audiences may notice significant differences between today’s culture and the social norms that are presented in this play, according to Scott.
“Over the decades since ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ first graced the stage, the quirks that once made the Sycamore family a spectacle have mellowed into near normalcy. What might have scandalized Alice or horrified the Kirbys in 1936—women penning plays, men scoffing at paying taxes – now barely raises an eyebrow,” said Scott. “The passage of time and sweeping social change have transformed the family’s so-called eccentricities from outrageous to almost ordinary. How to be able to tell that component of the story was a fun challenge.”
Cast members for ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ include: Dylan Thompson (Martin “Grandpa” Vanderhof), Rebecca Panagiotacos (Penelope “Penny” Sycamore), Chappie Livdahl (Paul Sycamore), Sadie Beaumont (Alice Sycamore), Paden Lipe (Tony Kirby), Caleb Wright (Anthony W. Kirby), Corrie Owen (Miriam Kirby), Anslee Johnson (Kolenkhov), Aviya Baluch (Essie Carmichael), Seth Atkins (Ed Carmichael), Rachel Forester (Rheba), Maddux Schmidt (Donald), Payden Atwell (Mr. De Pinna), Isabelle Western (Gay Wellington), Logan Stewart (Wilbur C. Henderson), Cara Neil (FBI Agent 1), Payten Anderson (FBI Agent 2), Grace Turner (FBI Agent 3), and Carmen Wells (The Grand Duchess Olga Katrina).
Directorial and Management positions include: Joshua Scott (Director), Daniel Johnson (Stage Manager), and Payten Anderson (Assistant Stage Manager).
“As the director, what excites me most is watching our theatre family grow through collaboration, creativity, and a shared purpose. Seeing our cast and crew use their unique talents to bring this story to life, while also honoring and glorifying God through their work, is such an incredible joy,” said Scott.
‘You Can’t Take It With You’ will run February 20–22 and February 27–March 1 with showtimes starting at 7:30 PM nightly. General tickets are $15. Premium tickets are $20. Students are allowed one free ticket and faculty and staff two free tickets. All tickets must be picked up with a valid ID at the box office in the School of Theatre.
