Narberth Community Theatre Presents Arsenic and Old Lace Opening May 2, 2008

Narberth Community Theatre presents Arsenic and Old Lace, one of the funniest comedies in modern theatre.  The tale focuses on Abby and Martha Brewster, the sweetest two women in Brooklyn.  They give toys to a local charity, make soup for the sick and have twelve bodies buried in the cellar. Enjoy the antics of nephew Mortimer as he tries to keep the authorities away.

Director Dan Wentzel has revitalized this classic comedy with his cast: Marcy Hoffman, Janey Giel, Matthew Thornton, Michael Tamin Yurcaba, Carl Heyde, Steve Arcidiacono, Raina Frey, Leigh Jacobs, Brenna McBride, Ken Cohen, Trudy Graboyes, Bill Haburcak and Greg Pronko.  This show promises to be an entertaining outing!  Just don't drink the wine…

Narberth Community Theatre is located in the lower level of the Narberth United Methodist Church at the corner of Essex and Price Avenues, about three blocks from the center of Narberth, Pennsylvania.

Mark your calendars for May 2 ~ May 17 and join us!
Reserve your tickets today for the best seats!

Cast Information:

Marcy Hoffman (Abby) - Bryn Mawr
Janey Giel (Martha) - Havertown
Steve Arcidiacono (Dr. Einstein) - Havertown
Trudy Graboyes (Lt. Rooney) - Havertown
Carl Heyde (Jonathan) - Wayne
Raina Frey (Elaine) - Wayne
Matthew Thornton (Mortimer) - Springfield
Michael Tamin Yurcaba (Teddy) - Lansdowne
Greg Pronko (Officer Brophy) - Philadelphia
Leigh Jacobs (Officer O'Hara) - Wynnewood
Brenna McBride (Officer Klein) - Rosemont
Kenneth Cohen (Rev. Harper) - Bala Cynwyd
Bill Haburcak (Mr. Gibbs/Mr. Witherspoon) - Secane

Arsenic and Old Lace was written by Joseph Kesselring. The well-known film adaptation starring Cary Grant and directed by Frank Capra was originally shown only for the entertainment of US troops overseas, but the popularity of the play, and the movie's all-star cast eventually led to domestic release of the film where it was equally successful with audiences.

When Kesselring taught at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, he lived in a boarding house called the Goerz House, and many of the features of its living room are reflected in the Brewster sisters' living room, where the action of the play is set. The Goerz House is now the home of the college president.

The 'murderous old lady' plot line may also have been inspired by actual events that occurred in a house in Windsor, Connecticut, where an older woman took in boarders and allegedly poisoned them for their pensions.  Kesselring originally conceived the play as a heavy drama, but a friend, reading the half-finished play, convinced him it would be much more effective as a comedy.

The play is still widely performed and has been translated into many languages, including a Russian film.

The play is a farcical black comedy revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, as he debates whether to go through with a honeymoon with the woman he loves and has recently agreed to marry.  His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, cyanide and "just a pinch" of strychnine; a brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home; and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff. The film adaptation follows the same basic plot, with a few minor changes.

Narberth Community Theatre presents Arsenic and Old Lace - May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 at 8 PM, Matinees May 4 & 11 at 2 PM.
Tickets: $14 Adults / $12 Seniors (62+) and Juniors (under 18).

May 2- Opening Night Only Student Special (18 and under): Buy One Get One FREE. One ticket purchased with student ID, the second ticket is FREE for accompanying student or adult. (ID must be shown when purchasing or picking up ticket.)  Also ask about our special Mother's Day Promotion when making your reservation. Call 610-352-4823 for assistance or visit our website:

http://www.narberthcommunitytheatre.org/