Photo Flash: First Look at Sherman Playhouse's ARSENIC & OLD LACE

On Friday, July 10, The Sherman Playhouse will premiere Joseph Kesselring's classic theatrical chestnut, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. The curtain goes up at 8:00 p.m. on a four-week run.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE is the quintessential farcical black comedy. It focuses on the Brewster family, currently residing in 1940s Brooklyn. The family is comprised of two charming spinster aunts who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously "acceptable" roomers; their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and another brother, Mortimer, a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry. The play is one of the most popularly performed American comedies of the past 75 years.

"Under a microscope, some of these characters could be conceivably seen as evil incarnate. But for 70 years, this production has created more folk heroes out of these sweet aunts and savage villains, rather than supposed wicked characters," said director Robin Frome of New Milford. "I believe we achieved ARSENIC AND OLD LACE as it should be, but only by the talents and hard work of our cast and crew. They knew we all had to work as hard as possible to get this production in top working condition. They are, and will always continue to be, my heroes of the great art of farce."

The production features some excellent regional actors: David Bailey (Salisbury), Lucy Shea (Bethel), William Kenyon (Ridgefield), Patricia Michael (Dover Plains, N.Y.), Steve Manzino (Holmes, N.Y.), Martin Rosato (New Milford), Dean Alexander and Jeff Rossman (both New Fairfield), Katherine and David Almquist (both Sharon), and Gabe Fowler andChris Marker (both Sherman).

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