A glass of elderberry wine for Arsenic and Old Lace

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring
October 21, 22, and 23, 2005
Sons of Italy Lodge, Geneva NY

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A cast of award-winning local actors presented Arsenic and Old Lace, the popular comedy thriller, October 21-23, 2005, at the Sons of Italy Lodge, Geneva.

Appearing as the lovable Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, were Eleanor Stearns, Geneva, and Richeen Smith, Canandaigua. Both actresses have been honored by the Theatre Association of New York State and performed at the State Theatre Festival. Local favorites Dan Chacchia and Jason Hurdle, both of Geneva, who gave award-winning performances in last year’s Greetings, played Dr. Einstein and the nephew on the run from the law, Jonathan Brewster.

Making his first appearance on the stage was Mike Cutillo, Geneva, as Mortimer Brewster, the nephew who tries to bring sanity to the chaos. Tom Nichols, Waterloo, a newcomer to the Guild, charged about the stage as the nephew who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt. Debra Hodgeman of Clifton Springs, played Mortimer’s fiancee, Elaine Harper and well-known actor James Bero had the dual roles of Dr. Harper and Lt. Rooney. Bero is an award-winning actor and has also appeared at the State Theatre Festival.

Geneva playwright/actor Jay Hanagan had the role of Officer O’Hara, a policeman aspiring to be a playwright. Hanagan has been honored by TANYS as an actor and playwright. His play Foibles was presented at the 2004 State Theatre Festival. Geneva residents Richard Rhinevault, Paul Idziak, and Brenton Stearns, and Newark resident Hugh Mater, completed the cast.

Arsenic and Old Lace was directed by Geneva resident Ruth Legg, who received director honors for Over the River and Through the Woods.