Hamilton Pastor Plays Walk-On Role in Arsenic and Old Lace

Best known from the 1944 Cary Grant film, the Community House Theater will be presenting, Arsenic and Old Lace, the classic play about a family of questionable sanity.

Two local ministers will be playing the walk-on role of Reverend Harper in this production, Pastor Kevin Baird of Congregational Life in Hamilton and Reverend Bob Hagopian of First Congregational Church in Rowley.

“Growing up it was a family affair to bring stories to life in our living room. Community theater is like the living room for local towns and villages as young and old come together to share and experience the power of the arts expressed through text, movement, emotion, and relationships. Each performance transports the family, both actors and audience, into vibrant worlds of imagination and exploration that enlarge our view of the very real world in which we live. Don’t miss this chance to experience again the delight of seeing a story brought to life, just like it was in your living room.”.” Kevin Baird

Arsenic and Old Lace features a cast of talented actors from 7 New England communities. The cast includes Jason Schaum (Teddy), Amanda Collins (Elaine) and Kate Duval (Elaine) of Beverly, Nathaniel Punches ( Jonathan) of Danvers, Zack Reardon (Dr. Einstein) of Salem, Patricia Jamison (Aunt Abby) of Topsfield, Rebecca Axelrod (Aunt Martha) of Essex, David Carpentier (O’Hara) of Rowley, and Alexander Spinelli (Mortimer Brewster) of Chester, New Hampshire.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this classic and timeless comedy to The Community House stage,” said Executive Director Melissa Elmer. “Many visitors have shared that they love the film and are excited to see a live production here in Hamilton. October is truly the perfect time of year to savour the humor in this play.”

Award-winning director, Jay Pension, returns to the Community House Theater, after directing CHT’s ‘Little Women’ this past summer. Myriam Cyr, director of CHT’s Sound of music and Little Women, is returning as the production’s acting coach.

Arsenic and Old Lace first opened in January 1941 at the Fulton Theatre in New York. In 1944, the Hollywood film version directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant hit U.S. theaters.

Arsenic and Old Lace will be performed at The Community House 284 Bay Road Hamilton, MA on October 25-November 2. On Halloween night, audience members dressed in costume will receive a $3 off of tickets purchased at the door. Tickets are $13.50 in advance and $16 at the door. Tickets may be purchased through www.communityhouse.org or calling the TCH office at 978-468-4818 x10.