Arts & Entertainment
Carol's Corner: The Lionheart Theatre in Downtown Norcross
Over 10 years ago a small group of people had a big idea -- to bring a theatre company to downtown Norcross. The result--The Lionheart Theatre.
It all began in 1994 when Tanya Caldwell and her then husband, Michael Carroll, started a drama program at the Norcross Presbyterian Church. The drama activities at the church flourished to the point that they were able to take the show on the road. Then known as the N. P. Suitcase Players, they preformed such plays as Steel Magnolias and The Odd Couple. During that time they were able to raise money for their church as well as other charitable causes.
Long a dream of Caldwell’s, in the year 2000 the group stepped out on faith to begin a community theatre. They joined for a while with the County Seat Players who provided what they needed to move into the community. County Seat furnished the rent, then at Berkmar H.S., and the newly named Lionheart Productions contributed the rest.
For some time, changing locations was the mode of operation for the theatre company. Caldwell remarked that Lionheart was always looking for a “small town atmosphere where we could fit in.” With help from Terry Robinson a local businessman, and his wife Sherry, that’s exactly what they found. Robinson, with a desire to make Norcross an Arts destination, welcomed Lionheart to use the back part of his art gallery, The Royal, to preform their plays. The program continued to grow but Robinson’s business eventually closed. Once again the theatre group was looking for a home.
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In 2006 Caldwell was informed that the city was buying a church to use as a community center. The theatre company immediately moved in and has been there ever since. With a good stable of actors and directors, Lionheart provides Norcross with a progressive theatre arts program.
Come and enjoy the the 2011 season at Lionheart. Find out about their plays, classes and workshops at www.lionhearttheatre.org.
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Lionheart Theatre
10 College St.
Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 885-0425
Upcoming Season
Dearly Departed by D. Botrell & J. Jones
March 4-6, 13-15, 20-22
Big River (musical) book-W. Hauptman, lyrics-R. Miller
May 6-8, 13-15, 20-21
The Velveteen Rabbit adaptation-E. Kauzlaric, book-M. Williams
July 14-17
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by T. Williams
September 9-11, 16-18, 23-25
Blues for an Alabama Sky by P. Cleage
November 4-6, 11-13, 18-20
The Santaland Diaries by D. Sedaris
December 2-44, 9-11
In Bethlehem Inn by J.W. Carter A dinner theatre production
December 14-18 (special dinner theatre pricing)