ARSENIC & OLD LACE Begins Tonight at Sherman Playhouse

Tonight, July 10, The Sherman Playhouse will premiere Joseph Kesselring's classic theatrical chestnut, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. The curtain goes up at 8:00 p.m. on a four-week run.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE is the quintessential farcical black comedy. It focuses on the Brewster family, currently residing in 1940s Brooklyn. The family is comprised of two charming spinster aunts who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously "acceptable" roomers; their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and another brother, Mortimer, a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry. The play is one of the most popularly performed American comedies of the past 75 years.

"Under a microscope, some of these characters could be conceivably seen as evil incarnate. But for 70 years, this production has created more folk heroes out of these sweet aunts and savage villains, rather than supposed wicked characters," said director Robin Frome of New Milford. "I believe we achieved ARSENIC AND OLD LACE as it should be, but only by the talents and hard work of our cast and crew. They knew we all had to work as hard as possible to get this production in top working condition. They are, and will always continue to be, my heroes of the great art of farce."

The production features some excellent regional actors: David Bailey (Salisbury), Lucy Shea (Bethel), William Kenyon (Ridgefield), Patricia Michael (Dover Plains, N.Y.), Steve Manzino (Holmes, N.Y.), Martin Rosato (New Milford), Dean Alexander and Jeff Rossman (both New Fairfield), Katherine and David Almquist (both Sharon), and Gabe Fowler and Chris Marker (both Sherman).

In addition to Frome, who also co-designed the set, the show's crew includes lighting designer and co-set designer Al Chiapetta, sound designer David White, and assistant director and stage manager Kate Morris.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE runs July 10,11 17,18,19 24,25 30,31 August 2. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and at a Thursday evening performance on July 30, with 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on July 19 and August 2. PLEASE NOTE: THE SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN CANCELED AND REPLACED WITH A THURSDAY, 8:00 P.M. PERFORMANCE ON JULY 30. Tickets for all shows are $22 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under.

On Thursday, July 9, all patrons are invited to attend a "Half-Price Preview Night" at 8:00 p.m. where all tickets are only $11. Students may see any performance for only $11 if they pay in cash only at the door and carry a valid student ID. Students may not make reservations in advance for a performance.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE made its debut on Broadway on January 10, 1941 at the Fulton Theatre and ran for nearly three-and-a-half years. In 1941, The New York Herald-Tribune called it "the most riotously hilarious comedy of the season." The play is also the basis for the 1944 hit film directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant.

Reservations can be made online at shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at (860) 354-3622.
The Sherman Playhouse is a non-Equity theatre company located at 5 Route 39 North (next to the firehouse) in Sherman, CT.