Audiences Delighted with ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Hackmatack Playhouse, Playing Through 7/5

During intermission last Friday at the Hackmatack Playhouse season opening, and opening night for "Arsenic and Old Lace," an audience member was overheard, "No, it's not my first time here, I was here a few years ago for the Julia Child tribute, and that was funny, too!" That was "Bon Appétit," and four years ago. Others in the audience were (more) regulars who see every show at this quaint, real (old) barn playhouse in Berwick.

"Arsenic and Old Lace" was one of the longest running Broadway plays. The movie adaptation starred Cary Grant. It was written in 1939 by American playwright Joseph Kesselring.

This is "Arsenic's" third time at Hackmatack over the years and is directed by Michael Turner, in his Hackmatack directorial debut. Last season, Michael appeared in "Driving Miss Daisy," and for the last seven years, has been the Hackmatack's resident light designer.

Arsenic and Old Lace is a comedy about the crazy Brewster family. Drama critic Mortimer Brewster must deal with his homicidal aunts, a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, an uncle who is a Boris Karloff look-a-like and the Brooklyn police as he questions his promise to marry the woman he loves.

Show times are Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00, with a Thursday matinee at 2:00. In addition to other goodies, fresh Strawberry Shortcake is being served during intermission in the concession building. Bon Appétit!

"Arsenic and Old Lace" runs through July 5. The 2014 schedule at Hackmatack Playhouse also includes "The Music Man," Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday,July 26; Monty Python's "Spamalot," Wednesday, July 30 through Saturday, August 16; and "The Trip to Bountiful," Wednesday, August 20 through Saturday, August 30.
Hackmatack Playhouse (Route 9, Berwick, Maine) continues a tradition of affordable ticket prices with student, senior, and group discounts. Tickets and 2014 Hackmatack Playhouse 'Flex-Passes" are now on sale even prior to auditions. Individual ticket prices are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, Thursday senior special of $20, and $10 for students under age 20. A "Flex-Pass" is a ticket good for 4 admissions to any Hackmatack show during the season. Flex-passes are $90 for adults, $80 for seniors, and $75 for seniors for Thursdays. Tickets are available on-line at www.Hackmatack.org or by phone, 207-698-1807.