Featuring unusual and less-than-innocent characters, the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” opens tonight at the Lewiston Civic Theatre.
In the show, young Mortimer Brewster (Travis Osburn, Lewiston) has just been engaged to the minister’s daughter (Katie Spencer, Clarkston) when he discovers a sinister secret about his aunts (Sheila Scott, Lewiston and Diane Hairston, Peck). Add one brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt (Brian Fonnesbeck, Lewiston) and another brother (Matt DeBerard, Clarkston) with an accomplice (Rico Cruz, Craigmont) and dark secrets of his own and, “Hilarity ensues,” said Kathy Witt, director.
The non-musical production is generally rated PG, but given the darker aspects of the story, Witt suggests that the show is more suitable to older children.
“It’s such a phenomenal show and so funny,” Witt said. “There are parts where I still laugh even though I’ve seen it so many times.”
This is Witt’s first time directing a show on the Lewiston Civic Theatre stage and the first time she is directing the show for adults. The cast is largely comprised of stage veterans who Witt said fit their parts exactly. “My cast is phenomenal.”
“Arsenic and Old Lace” first opened in 1941 and was adapted to film in 1944, but still draws laughter by audiences today.
“I think the humor is universal and transcends generations,” Witt said. “I think it’s going to be something the audience will really enjoy.”
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: “Arsenic and Old Lace” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today and Nov. 6-7, 12-14, 19-21 and 2 p.m. Nov. 8, 15 and 22 WHERE: Lewiston Civic Theatre, 805 Sixth Ave., Lewiston COST: $14 adults, $12 seniors age 60 and older, $11 student with ID, $8 children 12 and younger. Tickets are available online at www.lctheatre.org or by calling the box office at (208) 746-3401.
