Arsenic and Old Lace

By Robert Kesselring

Directed by Mary Hubbard Nugent

Arsenic and Old Lace is a clever combination of the farcical and the macabre, centering on two elderly sisters who are famous in their Brooklyn neighborhood for their numerous acts of charity. Unfortunately, however, their charity includes poisoning lonely old men who come to their home looking for lodging. The two women are assisted in their crimes by their mentally challenged nephew who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and who frequently blasts a bugle and yells "charge" as he bounds up the stairs. Matters get complicated when a second nephew, a theater critic, discovers the murders and a third nephew appears after having just escaped from a mental institution. In his adroit mixture of comedy and mayhem, Kesselring satirizes the charitable impulse as he pokes fun at the conventions of the theater.

Produced by Haylofters, Inc. at Malt House Theater, 109 N. Main St., Burlington, WI 53105

Performances: October 5-21, 2007

Performance Times: Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2:00. Tickets are available at the door or at the Daily Brew, 557 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington, (262) 767-9951.

Ticket Prices: $10

Call 262-763-9873 for reservations or more information.