Goodrich-Twelve corpses and two old ladies who are sisters with unique wine-making techniques combine for ‘Arsenic and Old Lace.?
The play is open to the public at 7 p.m, Nov. 20-22 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 23, at Raymond C Green Performing Arts Center, Goodrich High School, 8029 Gale Road.
Based on the 1944 film starring Cary Grant and first produced in the 1940s, ‘Arsenic and Old Lace? is the story of sweet elderly gals poisoning bachelors with arsenic-laced wine as a charitable act. Their nephew, Mortimer Brewster (Spencer Everhart), a recently engaged drama critic, discovers his aunts? antics as he prepares for his wedding day. Written by Joseph Kesselring, the sinister comedy spins the tale of Abigail (Grace Turner) and Martha (Hannah England) Brewster. Aided by the girls? brother Teddy (Matthew Flotemersch), who’s convinced he’s Teddy Roosevelt, the sisters have kept the bodies buried in their basement until the return of their menacing brother Jonathan (Matthew Statson) threatens to expose their secret.
Steve Mitchell, Goodrich High School theater director said while somewhat sinister, ‘Arsenic & Old Lace? is fun for the whole family.
‘It’s the first time I’ve ever directed this play,? he said. ‘I’m working with Paul Docter, a former Goodrich High School student who is working on his theater degree from the University of Michigan-Flint. The play will be his Capstone project. It’s awesome working with a past student.?
‘The play is an American classic, it’s one of my favorites,? he said. ‘It’s also one of the biggest sets I’ve ever had to build on stage’it’s a three-story house.?