ARSENIC AND OLD LACE to Play Florida Repertory Theatre, 1/7-29

Florida Repertory Theatre has announced the opening of the beloved American classic, Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, a comedy that kills with kindness. Made famous on the silver screen starring Cary Grant, Arsenic and Old Lace plays at Florida Rep January 10 through 29 with four nearly sold out discounted previews January 7, 8, and 9.

"It is always a privilege to bring a classic like this to life onstage," said Producing Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo, "this play has a large cast, a big, beautiful set, and a story that you'll never forget. You'll get to see our acting ensemble at its zaniest in one of America's most treasured stories."

Something is fishy in the Brewster household: old men are missing, Boris Karloff has been seen wandering the halls, and there are reports of bodies in the basement. Abby and Martha Brewster are two lonely spinster sisters devoted to charity and good deeds-but their latest charitable endeavor seems to have fatal consequences. Matters are complicated when their estranged nephew (who bears an eerie resemblance to Boris Karloff) shows up unannounced with some sinister plans of his own. Madcap meets the macabre in this perfectly-crafted comedy that's been delighting audiences for over 75 years! Perfect for the whole family!

Arsenic and Old Lace features an all-star lineup of many Florida Rep Ensemble Members. Mark Chambers (The Fantasticks), Carrie Lund (Miracle on South Division Street), Jason Parrish (Santaland Diaries) and Peter Thomasson (My Three Angels) all return to the Historic Arcade Theatre for this production.

Also in the cast are Florida Rep favorites Michael Satow (Lend Me A Tenor), Avi Hoffman (You Can't Take it With You) and Viki Boyle (Rumors). Michael Edwards, Jacob D. Guinn and Jake Scott-Hodes return after making their debut in this season's My Three Angels, with Harli Cooper and Al Richman making their Florida Rep debut.

Dennis Delaney (Florida Rep's nationally acclaimed God of Carnage) directs the play and is joined by an expert team of Florida Rep's Ensemble of designers. Richard Crowell (Social Security) designs the set, Kate Smith (Collected Stories) designs the lights and Roberta Malcolm (My Three Angels) is the costume designer. The sound designer is Tim Cobb (Collected Stories), and Amy Massari (Social Security) serves as the the production stage manager, with Nick To (Santaland Diaries) as her assistant stage manager.

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring plays Jan. 10-29, with four nearly sold out preview performances on January 7-9. Regular performances are Tues. - Sat. at 8pm, with matinees on Wed., Sun., and selected Saturdays at 2pm.

Arsenic and Old Lace is sponsored by Naomi Bloom & Ron Wallace and Northern Trust Bank and Florida Weekly.

Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale through the box office at 239-332-4488 and online at floridarep.org. Subscribe now for the best seats and biggest savings. Single tickets are priced at $45 and $40, and $25 for discounted previews.

Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry Streets with ample free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Follow Florida Rep on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube by visiting us online at www.floridarep.org.