Joseph Kesselring's 'Arsenic and Old Lace' at Hardscrabble Theater

Farmingdale residents Joe DiPietro and Eva Dolan are collaborating with St Thomas Episcopal Church to bring back live theater to Farmingdale, NY. Their first production, which is scheduled to open May 26th, will be the timeless comedy, ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ by Joseph Kesselring. Rehearsals are under way and the excitement is growing! The Village of Farmingdale now has something it has wanted for some time: a year-round theater. Executive Producer, Joe DiPietro, is a playwright and actor. Artistic Director, Eva Dolan, has spent her life in the theater both acting and producing. Daniel Petersen-Snyder, of St Thomas, has a Masters Degree from NYU in Stage Design and Lighting and has designed the elegant set. Together they are working with St Thomas’ Pastor, Mother Christina Petersen-Snyder, to create Hardscrabble Theater. ‘Arsenic’ Director, Evan Donnellan, is well known for his Summer Shakespeare productions at the Vanderbilt Mansion, as well as having a long time association with both the Arena Players and the Minstrel Players. Hardscrabble Theater has assembled a fine cast of seasoned performers for the first presentation. The establishment of the theater is the culmination of five years of work, which began when Joe and Eva moved to Farmingdale and fell in love with Village. Broman Hall, located on the grounds of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, provides the ideal venue. Its proximity to Main Street, as well as the LIRR, makes it the perfect location for a theater. The theater has already made a splash: last week officers of the law were alerted to a possible cardiac arrest in the Village. It turned out to be nothing more than the dummy the actors will use in the play! The officers inquired as to the name of the show and the venue. We hope to see them there.