Meadow Brook Theatre Presents ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

Two sweet, older ladies who look like they wouldn't hurt a fly have been adding a dash of something special to their elderberry wine. Poison.

But what happens when their nephew, Mortimer, comes to call? Add Mortimer's fiancée, Elaine, his uncle, who thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt, and a host of other colorful characters, and you've got a houseful of hysterical chaos.

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, sponsored by Waltonwood Senior Living, runs October 3 through 28 at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.

"Over the years, so many people have told me this is their favorite play," says Travis Walter. "Even though people may have seen it years ago, our staging and our stellar cast, are going to make it brand new. We've put together a great ensemble of actors for this show.

The sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, are played by Mary Robin Roth and Ruth Crawford, respectively. Tim Dolan is Mortimer, Olivia Ursu is Elaine and Peter Prouty is Teddy. The rest of the cast includes Chip DuFord (The Rev. Dr. Harpe and Lt. Rooney), Tobin Hissong (Officer Brophy), Thomas D. Mahard (Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Witherspoon), Michael Brian Ogden (Jonathan Brewster), Phil Powers (Dr. Einstein), Mark Rademacher (Officer O'Hara), and Mike Vultaggio (Officer Klein).

"It's going to be hilarious," continues Walter. "This is a great way to kick off our new season."

Arsenic and Old Lace is directed by Travis W. Walter. Terry W. Carpenter is the stage manager with scenic design by Kristen Gribbin, costume design by Corey Collins, light design by Kerro Knox 3 and sound design by Mike Duncan.

Tickets range from $30 to $45 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

Arsenic and Old Lace is made possible through the generous support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com or call 248-377-3300. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 50 years.

Photo courtesy of Sean Carter Photography