Reading Community Players will present 'Arsenic and Old Lace' April 19 through April 28.
American playwright Joseph Kesserling wrote this farcical black comedy in 1939. Director Bruce McLean noted, "It is a classic and hasnt been done locally for many years. Its a good show for character actors."
At the center of the action is the drama critic, Mortimer Brewster (played by Kevin Shanely), who describes his crazy family as "if Strindberg wrote Hellzapoppin."
Two spinster aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster (played by veteran actors Diann Stewart and Ruth Martelli) have perfected their homemade elderberry wine, laced with arsenic, strychnine and "just a pinch" of cyanide.
A brother, Teddy Brewster (played by Randy Miller), who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home.
And finally, a murderous brother, Jonathan Brewster (played by Benjamin Ruth, who creates his own makeup). This role was originally done on Broadway by Boris Karloff.
Mayhem ensues with the Brooklyn cops, an alcoholic plastic surgeon, a young fiancé and her reverend father swirling about this homicidal family.
The show will play at the Reading Community Players Theatre, 403 N. 11th St, near Buttonwood.
Show dates are April 19, 20, 21 and 26, 27 & 28. Fridays and Saturdays curtain at 8pm. Sundays at 3pm.
Free shuttle service is available from parking on 12th St, between Buttonwood and Elm Sts.
Ticket prices are $8 for students, $10 for seniors and $15.
Tickets are available by credit card on the website, www.readingcommunityplayers.com .