Wyoming Seminary Players to Present “Arsenic and Old Lace”

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Seen in rehearsal for the April 27-28 production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Wyoming Seminary are, from left: junior Ivori Zvorsky as Elaine Harper; junior Richard Rose as Mortimer Brewster; senior Sasha Fuller as Abby Brewster; and senior Julia Ross as Martha Brewster.

For sheer madcap action and the funny side of murder, it’s hard to beat the 1939 classic black comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace.” The Wyoming Seminary Players will present the story of two spinster aunts whose elderberry wine packs a real punch on Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28 in the Buckingham Performing Arts Center on North Sprague Avenue in Kingston.

The production, beginning at 8 p.m., is open to the public. Tickets are $3 in advance and $4 at the door.           

In “Arsenic and Old Lace,” the action takes place on Halloween night when confirmed bachelor Mortimer Brewster brings his new bride to his family home to meet his aunts and eccentric uncle. Stumbling on their bizarre and ghoulish activities, Brewster attempts to correct a situation that becomes complicated by the unexpected arrival of yet another troubling relative.

 After opening in New York City in 1941, the play ran for 1,444 performances over three years. Film director Frank Capra and actor Cary Grant made the 1944 film “Arsenic and Old Lace” a nationwide favorite. 

Sem Theater Director Don Hopkins said today’s audiences still enjoy the show because of the plot’s unexpected twists and turns, the way the characters relate to each other and the play’s deadpan humor.           

“A comedy about maiden aunts murdering people is rather macabre, but the characters make it so interesting. The characters and nature of the play have a direct relation to contemporary black comedy,” he said.

This production is part of the 2006-07 Wyoming Seminary Performing Arts Series. For more information call 570-270-2190.

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