Arsenic & Old Lace Opening May 2nd

A perennial favorite takes the stage at Heartwood, as farce, melodrama, absurdity and horror blend smoothly into a delicious concoction which has delighted audiences for more than 70 years.  “Arsenic & Old Lace,” by Joseph Kesserling, opens May 2^nd in the Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy.  (Personalized gift certificates are always available by contacting Heartwood Theater – a wonderful gift idea for Mother’s Day.)

Mad-cap, zany, and fast-paced, this story is set in a Victorian home in Brooklyn.  Probably best know from Frank Capra's over-the-top movie version starring Cary Grant, the play was first a Broadway hit, just before America entered WW II, starring none other than Boris Karloff (yes, the voice of the narrator in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas").

Under the direction of Griff Braley, an uproarious cast is led by well known and beloved actresses Suzanne Rankin and Nancy Durgin, in whose capable hands the two loving spinster sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, run an odd and ghastly "charity." (This is where the arsenic comes in …)

This old chestnut brings the return of Chris Davis, who played the role of Macbeth for Heartwood in the spring of 2013, now playing Mortimer Brewster.   A wonderful collection of players seen throughout Heartwood’s first decade, round out the cast: Nancy-Grace Dersham, Ron Bouffard, Kevin Lynch, Tom Handel, Anthony Genovese, Joe McGrann, Stephen Wallace, Coady Robson, Tyson Bailey and Bill Vaughan.

Great theater requires great sponsors, and there are several bringing this comedy to life:  Bath Savings Institution, Heartwood’s Season Sponsor; Granite Hill Estates, Season Productions Sponsor; and Show Sponsors – Hook Yarn and Stitcher of Hallowell, Cheney Insurance and Newcastle Square Realty. 

Performances will run for two weekends in the Parker Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy.  Evening performances beginning at 7:30pm will be presented May 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10.  One 3:00 matinee will be offered on May 4^th – sure to sell out.  Seating is general, though special reservations may be made at the time of reservation.    Tickets are $8/students and $22/adults.  Reservations are strongly suggested and may be obtained by phoning Heartwood at 207.563.1373 or emailing boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org.  Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.