For those looking to celebrate Halloween a bit early, dark comedy will take center stage at the Evergreen Playhouse beginning this weekend during a presentation of the classic play “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
The play tells the story of drama critic Mortimer Brewster, whose engagement announcement is sidetracked after he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunt’s window seat.
“Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police — not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage — it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding,” the play synopsis states.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” was an audience pick written by Joseph Kesselring and sponsored by Book ‘N’ Brush.
The play is the directorial debut of Chronicle Assistant Editor Emily Fitzgerald.
“This show was an audience pick, and I can understand why,” Fitzgerald wrote in a director’s note. “A farce laced with family drama, murder and just a pinch of romance, ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ has been a hit with audiences ever since it premiered on Broadway in 1941, and a New York Times opening night review called the show ‘so funny that none of us will ever forget it.’”
Fitzgerald praised the actors, the production team, the Evergreen Playhouse Board of Directors for their trust and support, and Isaac and Theresa McKenzieSullivan, who assisted her as she guided the show's production.
The show will run on weekends through Oct. 27. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays will take place at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $17 for adults and $14 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at evergreenplayhouse.com or at the door.
The actors will also host a special “pay what you can” benefit performance on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
The Evergreen Playhouse is located at 226 W. Center St. in Centralia.
Cast:
• Abby Brewster: Karen Longo
• Martha Brewster: Michelle Koenen
• Mortimer Brewster: Kody Paterson
• Jonathan Brewster: Chris Cabrera
• Teddy Brewster: Tim Donnell
• Dr. Einstein: Richard John Frias
• Elaine Harper: Erika Skorstad
• Dr. Harper/Mr. Gibbs/Lt. Rooney: Larry Morton
• Officer O’Hara/Mr. Witherspoon: Kelsi Mack
• Officer Brophy: Laurelae Bluntzer
• Officer Klein: Kolten Tomlin
