ARLINGTON, Texas — Stepping into Theatre Arlington’s latest production, “You Can’t Take It With You,” feels less like entering a theater and more like wandering into the wonderfully chaotic Sycamore household.
The set, overflowing with knickknacks, typewriters, fireworks supplies and art projects in various stages of completion, immediately signals that this isn’t a family concerned with appearances. It’s a home built on creativity, warmth and heart.
That atmosphere is exactly what this Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart thrives on. First staged in 1936, the play’s message remains timeless: true happiness doesn’t come from wealth or status but from pursuing passions, cherishing relationships and living authentically.
For audiences seeing the play for the first time in Arlington, the Sycamores are a revelation. Their eccentricities—fireworks in the basement, impromptu dance lessons in the living room and a playwright who never seems to finish a script—spark laughter, but also tenderness. Beneath the madness lies sincerity, and their refusal to conform offers a gentle critique of a culture that prizes material success over joy.
That message resonates deeply today. In a fast-paced world where productivity often outweighs passion, “You Can’t Take It With You” is a reminder to slow down, embrace chaos and find joy in the people and pursuits that matter most.
Directors Sharon Kaye Miller and Larry Cure bring years of collaboration to the production.
“We’ve directed together for almost 15 years,” Miller said.
Cure added, “We finish each other’s sentences, and that’s why it works.”
Both have staged the play separately in the past, but Miller said this time feels unique.
“To see what these actors bring to those parts has just been a joy,” she said. “It’s a party every night.”
Cure praised the ensemble as well.
“It’s a superb cast,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. I knew when we cast the show that we had something good going on.”
Executive Producer Steven D. Morris, who also plays the eccentric ballet teacher Boris Kolenkhov, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind the scenes.
“What I love about theater the most is that it’s very collaborative,” Morris said. “We have an incredible design team.”
Morris grew effusive as he lauded the set and lighting designer, property mistress, stage manager, sound designer, and new costumer. On top of all that, he said the show is well cast.
“The cast is phenomenal,” Morris said. “We have some of the best people in Dallas-Fort Worth—a mix of seasoned performers and newcomers to Theatre Arlington. I always like that blend, and that excites me the most.”
Theatre Arlington works to make live performances accessible. Adult tickets are $40, with discounted rates for seniors 62 and older and students at $35. Students with a current ID may purchase any remaining seats for $5 within 15 minutes of curtain.
“You Can’t Take It With You” is scheduled to run through Sept. 28, with evening shows this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
“You Can’t Take It With You” offers more than an evening of comedy—it’s a celebration of chaos, creativity and love. Whether new to theater or a longtime patron, audiences may leave the playhouse with a renewed appreciation for the joy of simply being alive.
The production is sponsored by Wade Funeral Homes and Edward Jones.