The classic show Arsenic & Old Lace is coming to Oswego this month, brought to us by a new Arts non-profit “Beyond the Rainbow Productions” in partnership with the Oswego Players.
Director Kevin Colvin is set to bring back a well-known dark comedy: Arsenic and Old Lace. The story follows the Brewster family with elements of farce and crime. Colvin is also President of Beyond the Rainbow Productions, a multi-arts organization. He reflects on the journey to the production of the show: “I saw the Arsenic and Old Lace film with Cary Grant for the first time in my mid 20’s. It appealed so highly to my dark, morbid, twisted sense of humor that, after debating if I would like to direct a show someday, that it would be this show I would want to direct first. I am very excited and grateful that Oswego Players have agreed to coproduce it with Beyond The Rainbow, and finally give me the dream directorial debut I have been trying for over the past 6 years.”
Tammy Thompson, a frequent face in Oswego Player casting, is reprising the role of Martha Brewster, one of the murderous yet delightfully eccentric aunts that headlines the show. She expressed her excitement in reappearing as Martha 40 years later. “I was part of the 1984 season of Prairie Repertory Theatre in South Dakota. It was my first lead role in college! I am so happy to be sharing the stage with some of my favorite people and being directed by another of my favorite people! There is so much joy and laughter each night of rehearsal! I can’t wait to share this production with audiences.”
Her counterpart, Kimberly Vogt, portrays the equally charming sister, Aunt Abby Brewster. Concerning the rehearsal process, Vogt said, “This experience has been great. We have such a good cast. Kevin has been wonderful as a director. He gives valuable feedback and listens to his actors for their suggestions as well. The show is going to be fantastic and I cannot wait for people to see it!”
Both aunts bemuse their nephew Mortimer as he discovers more about their activities behind closed basement doors. Will Bandla plays the role of Mortimer Brewster, a cynic and drama critic hoping to marry, but that may be superseded by his family’s troubling penchant for crimes and wines.
Arsenic and Old Lace runs for 4 nights (7:30 p.m.) and 2 matinees (2:00 p.m.), October 25th-27th, and November 1st-3rd. The play will be performed at Francis Marion Brown Theater, Barbara Donahue Dr, in Oswego. Tickets are available on Oswego Players’ website at oswegoplayers.org
For more information call: (315) 343-5138.