PCT’s ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ set

By KATHRINE NEWTON
The Palestine Herald

PALESTINE October 05, 2008 12:15 am

— To celebrate Fall Fest, the Palestine Community Theatre is preparing their own version of the macabre comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” under the direction of Terri Warren. Originally, “Arsenic and Old Lace” was a 1941 Broadway smash hit that later became a classic movie starring Carey Grant. The story revolves around the delightful misadventures of the Brewster family living in Brooklyn, New York. The family includes two elderly sisters, Abby and Martha, and their nephews Teddy, Mortimer, and Jonathon.
Sponsored in part by Radio KNET and KYYK, the show will open on Oct. 17 at the Texas Theater commencing at 6:30 p.m. with the popular wine and cheese reception co-hosted by the PCT and Ben E. Keith Beers. The production will continue to run the following Saturday and Sunday, as well as the next weekend on Oct. 24-26. Friday and Saturday evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon matinees begin at 2 p.m.
Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 18. Tickets at the door cost $12. All opening night tickets are $12. They may be purchased at Education Unlimited, 903-723-8383, and at the Palestine Chamber of Commerce, 903-729-6066.
Once again the Fig Tree Manor is offering their addition to opening night festivities with “Dinner and a Show.“ Inspired by the production, the menu includes New England Clam Chowder, roast beef and vegetable medley, and rhubarb pie. Thanks to PCT member John Lamb’s contribution of wine from Sweet Dreams Winery, guests may choose to enjoy a glass of wine with their meal. “Dinner and a Show” tickets are $30 and available only at Education Unlimited
“Rehearsals are going great,” said Warren. “I know that directors are always supposed to say that rehearsals are going well, but they really are going well. I have a good cast”
“It has been a little hectic working with everyone‘s schedule,” she admitted. According to Warren she is sharing several of her cast members with the Palestine Library Friends. The busy actors are doing double duty by performing in the Friends’ Oct. 11 fund-raiser “Murder on the disORIENTed Express™: Close Encounters of a Texas Kind” at the Texas State Railroad.
In the meantime, Warren is putting the last-minute touches on a set that she designed herself by working with a group of dedicated volunteers led by Jim Vincil and her husband Steve Warren.
“I was wanting the actors to perform on two planes — as well as utilizing all the stairwells,” Warren said.
“It is a very interesting set,’ observed long-time PCT leader, member, and actor Amelia Cook. “I have also enjoyed what little of the rehearsals I have been able to see. It is funny. If you thought your family was nuts, you should meet the Brewster family!”