Stillwater High School Theatre Presents Arsenic & Old Lace

The performing arts students of Stillwater High School are set to present Joseph Kesselring’s classic American comedy Arsenic & Old Lace, with performances on November 12, 14, and 15 at the SHS Performing Arts Center. 

Arsenic and Old Lace follows theatre critic Mortimer Brewster, who discovers a dark secret in his family home. His beloved aunts, Abby and Martha, have developed a deadly habit in the name of mercy. Throw in a brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, another sinister sibling on the run from the law, and a whirlwind romance, and Mortimer must race against time to keep his family out of trouble and the asylum. 

“Bringing Arsenic and Old Lace to our stage has been an incredible process," said Director Elizabeth Ziegler. "Kesselring’s writing gives us a wonderful chance to delve into eccentric characters, and even though it’s from a different era, the dark humor and farce feels very modern. Our cast has outdone themselves in bringing the story's wit and absurd humor to life. 

The production showcases a wealth of student talent, featuring sophomore newcomer Anslee Ziegler and SHS Theatre junior Sophie Raines as the two Brewster sisters. This cast also has a slew of veteran SHS theatre performers in Carter Sanders, Richie Gonzalez, Maverick Ziegler, Caleb Payne, Ethan Austin, Wiley Pence. Arsenic also introduces to the SHS Stage Owen Clark, Mattie Clark, Lucas Payne, Ahalya Mysore, Kian Keeth and Will Grantham. With Ethan Sires and Andrew Chance leading the Technical Theatre students as Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Manager, this crew brings to life the juxtaposition of the 1940’s and the Victorian era allowing the audience to fully suspend their disbelief. The creative team is led by Ziegler as Director, with Amber Porter as Technical Director.

Ziegler hopes audiences will fill the SHS Performing Arts Center for the play. “In an age of screens there’s something incredibly special about gathering in a theatre to experience the story unfold live right in front of your eyes. These students have worked so hard and deserve to play to a packed house every night. So get your ticket, and come see an incredible show and the unbelievable talent of Stillwater students!”

Show Details

• Arsenic and Old Lace
  • Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 15 at 2:30 p.m.
• Stillwater High School Performing Arts Center, 1224 N. Husband St., Stillwater, OK 74075
• Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and are available at www.stillwaterschools.com/arsenic or at the door (cash only).

Cast List