The drama department will be performing “Arsenic and Old Lace” written by Joseph Kesselring on Nov. 3-4 and Nov. 10-12 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. The show will run about an hour and 45 minutes.

According to theater director Robin Welch Wood, “Arsenic and Old Lace” was written in 1944 and was inspired by a woman who took in elderly borders that were near death. This event prompted Kesselring to create the main characters of the play, the Brewster sisters.

“It’s just a great script, that’s why it has been around for so long and produced so many times,” Welch Wood said. “I think [the audience] will love it. It’s a very fun show and our actors are a very talented and funny bunch.”

This classic mystery comedy tells of the two sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, who inhabit their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously “acceptable” roomers. Throughout the play, there are plenty of antics from the nephews of the Brewster sisters; Teddy Brewster, who believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt, and Mortimer, who is a manic theater critic.

“I am very excited about the play,” senior Reghan Scott performing as Abby Brewster said. “I’m nervous, but I believe the entire cast and crew will pull off a great show.”

According to theater arts teacher Norman Grueneich, the theater department is using authentic 1930s props such as a working radio and a telephone. The use of other antiques allow the play to appear as genuine as possible.  Even the technical aspect of the play will allow for the mood to be set with chandeliers and wall sconces that work on cue.

“Lots of things that we use are ‘antiques’ so to speak,” Welch Wood said. “We pride ourselves on making our shows as authentic looking as possible.”

Tickets are now available online at www.KleinCollinsDrama.org and they are sold at the box office beginning Monday, Oct. 31 until the performance dates. Tickets will be $7 for students and $10 for adults.

“I imagine the audience will love our show,” senior William Wadsworth performing as Jonathan Brewster said. “For as long as long as I’ve been at Klein Collins, the drama department has put out fantastic shows. With a gut-buster like this show, there’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll have plenty of people laughing and wanting more.”