Trine University Theatre Presents Arsenic and Old Lace

by Haylee Richards

The beginning of November 2023 was marked with the Trine Theatre’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace, a dark comedy directed by Professor LouAnn Homan.

I attended opening night and was stunned by the cast and crew. I have attended numerous Trine Theatre performances, but this one by far takes the cake. Never have I laughed like I did at this fall’s production.

The Brewster sisters are the stars of the show. They murder the men in their life, and think that by doing so, they are doing them a favor. Their nephews bring even more comedy with their three very different personalities; Teddy, who thinks he is President Theodore Roosevelt, Mortimer, the theatre critic, and Johnathan, a deranged killer himself. This family dynamic is not one to miss.

Supporting characters for this show include Dr. Einstein, Johnathan’s companion, Elaine Harper, Mortimer’s love interest, Officer’s O’Hara, Brophy, and Klein, along with Dr. Reverand Harper, Witherspoon, Lieut. Rooney and Gibbs. The supporting characters dazzled as well, bringing this comedy full circle.

Cast for Arsenic and Old Lace includes Chantale Leavell, Sage Scherzer, Aidan Smith, Evyenia Lawley, Sean Carpenter, Muriel Mackie, Benton Knox, Professor Michael Smith, Mykah Garrison, Tyler Kreisler, Macy Bonifield, Jo Drudge, Parker Tillmon and Jason Branch. The crew includes Professor LouAnn Homan, Jacob McNeal, Dr. Timothy Hopp, Kat Kellogg, Allison Miller-Shaver, Jacob Shaver, Professor Joanna Claudy and Seth Pendergrass.

Trine Theatre will be back in action for another production in Spring 2024.