Lake Country Players (LCP) is ready to delight audiences with a classic play that never loses its charm: “Arsenic and Old Lace,” by Joseph Kesselring.
Under the direction of Mo Brower and assistant director Anenaca Simpson, this timeless, laugh-out-loud farce is poised to take the stage Nov. 2-5 at Greensboro’s Festival Hall.
With a backdrop of 1941 Brooklyn and a cast of talented actors, this darkly comic tale unfolds in the living room of the Brewster family home, inhabited by two seemingly sweet and innocent spinster sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, portrayed by Debbie McCown and Rusty Faulk.
But the sisters harbor a dark secret: they are serial killers who poison lonely old men with arsenic-laced elderberry wine. Their motivations, however, are entirely innocent as they believe they are performing acts of mercy by sending these poor souls to a better place.
The plot thickens when their nephew Mortimer, a jaded drama critic played by Michael Homeier, returns to the family home and stumbles across his aunts’ sinister activities.
Mortimer is torn between his love for his aunts and his sense of moral duty, and chaos ensues as he tries – increasingly unsuccessfully – to contain the situation.
To make matters worse, another nephew, the maniacal Jonathan Brewster, brought to life by Art Shutt, arrives with his own dark secrets to further complicate family dynamics.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” is a classic example of a dark comedy that expertly balances sinister themes with humor, and Lake Country Players is primed to bring this unique example of the genre to life.
The play’s dark humor challenges audiences to contemplate moral dilemmas in an amusing way, providing a rollercoaster of laughter, suspense, and surprise that delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
With “Arsenic and Old Lace,” LCP upholds a longstanding tradition of offering a stage for local talent to dazzle. Under Brower and Simpson, the cast and crew have invested unwavering efforts to guarantee the play becomes an unforgettable experience for every attendee. Also among the gifted local ensembles are Michael Alexander, Steve Atchley, Lu Feldman, Carol Grant, Ed Kercado, Drace Langford, Anenaca Simpson, and William Thompson.
Meanwhile, Festival Hall provides a unique and immersive theatrical experience going beyond the traditional stage. Among its standout features is the table seating arrangement, which allows theatergoers to enjoy the play in comfort and style.
What sets Festival Hall apart is the opportunity to indulge in a glass of wine while savoring a delectable charcuterie board prepared by Chef Deborah, all conveniently delivered to your table the day of the performance.
This catering service adds an extra layer of sophistication to the local theater experience, transforming it into a delightful culinary adventure.
Brower’s choice to bring “Arsenic and Old Lace” to Festival Hall aligns perfectly with the venue’s vision of combining quality performances with an unforgettable dining experience. So, as you prepare to attend Lake Country Players’ production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” at Festival Hall, it’s important to arrive with an appetite for both laughter and delicious food.
Tickets are available now ($22 each) at lakecountryplayers.org or by calling 762-233-0039. Show times for “Arsenic and Old Lace” are 7 p.m. on Nov. 2-4 and 2 p.m. on Nov. 5.