Theater Shenandoah explores “socially acceptable” in Arsenic and Old Lace
Edinburg, VA – Later this month, Theater Shenandoah will present the hilarious play Arsenic and Old Lace on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m., and on Sunday, October 25 at 3 p.m. All performances will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, located at 127 High Street, in Woodstock, Virginia.
According to wikipedia, “Arsenic and Old Lace is a play by American playwright Joseph Kesselring, written in 1939. It has become best known through the film adaptation starring Cary Grant and directed by Frank Capra. The play was directed by Bretaigne Windust, and opened on 10 January 1941. On 25 September 1943, the play moved to the Hudson Theater. It closed there on 17 June 1944 having played 1,444 performances. Of the twelve plays written by Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace is the only one to be successful.”
Here’s a description of this special production by those who will perform it for you:
The entire action of the play takes place in the living room of the old Brewster home in Brooklyn, New York. It is just as Victorian as the two sisters, Abby & Martha Brewster, who occupy the house with their nephew Teddy. Time: The 1930’s – before America’s involvement in the Second World War.
We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously “acceptable” roomers; the antics of their nephew who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt, and the activities of the ‘other’ nephew – these require no further description.
The cast includes some of the Theater Shenandoah regulars, including a well-known retired psychiatrist, a witch turned sweet, and a musician, director who comes off the piano bench to act for a change. Added to that, we have several actors who have been on Broadway, off Broadway and have settled in our midst with a plethora of talent and expertise!
Some of our younger, newer faces in Theater Shenandoah are learning new ways to express themselves on stage, adding to their repertoires some fine examples and supreme references for future resumes. That is what Theater Shenandoah strives for – new faces, as well as seasoned actors, musicians. It truly is a teaching, learning theater experience.
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There is no reserved seating. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Ticket prices are $10 adults, $8 seniors (65 and older) and students (18 and under).
For more information, call (540) 984-3972, or log onto the Theater Shenandoah web site.
My mother drew a distinction between achievement and success. She said that ‘achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that’s nice, too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success.’
best article I read about this yet!