Media Release
(Stillwater, Okla) — Some patrons of Stillwater’s Town & Gown Theater may be familiar with its second show of the 69th season, “Arsenic and Old Lace,” as it has been produced before on the T&G stage. But it’s been well over a decade since audiences were last delighted by this hilarious black comedy, and director Timothy Cole felt it was time to tickle funny bones again and introduce the acclaimed show to new theatergoers as well. Cole has acted in several Town & Gown productions and says, “I wanted to bring a big classic to Town and Gown for my first show directing here. It’s a hilarious story and the cast brings these characters to life better than I could have hoped for.”
Those who have seen “Arsenic and Old Lace” know that the physical setting of the story plays a major role in the plot. To that end, Cole explains, “We have been working hard for over a month now to build the Brewster living room right on the stage. Our goal is for audiences to feel like they are walking into a timeless Victorian home when they enter our arena.”
Patrons will be excited to see a cast filled with Town & Gown veterans, along with a few newer faces. Anna Davis and Courtney Pilkington play the two spinster aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster. Justin Haley plays their relatively famous nephew, an author named Mortimer Brewster. John Mark Day, veteran of roughly a dozen Town & Gown
productions in recent seasons, plays their live-in nephew Teddy Brewster, who believes he is in fact former president Teddy Roosevelt. His frequent bugle blasts are a source of great consternation for the neighbors, but the Panama Canal he’s digging in the basement is particularly handy for disposing of Yellow Fever victims.
Mortimer’s new bride, Elaine Harper, is played by Becca Bell, and Elaine’s father, Dr. Rev. Harper, is played by Albert May. Kevin Gerfen reprises the role of evil brother Jonathan Brewster, and recent Town & Gown member Devon Jackson takes on the role of Jonathan’s morally bankrupt associate, Dr. Einstein. The unfortunate police officers who find themselves entangled in the intricate and zany plot are portrayed by Paul Weber (as Lt. Rooney), Zach Perry (as Officer O’Hara), Jobin Varughese (as Officer Brophy), and David Reed (as Officer Klein). Brian Horner rounds out the cast as Mr. Witherspoon, the director of a mental institution where Teddy may or
may not go to live out his days.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” will run for eight performances, from Nov. 14th to 17th and 21st to 24th. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Monday, Nov. 11th and can be obtained by calling the box office at (405) 372-9122 or visiting the theatre’s Web site at www.townandgown.org. Tickets prices are $14 for adults, $12 for students, and $12 for
seniors attending either Sunday matinee.
