“We have been an organization since the 80’s...then it just kind of went into a resting period,”said Virginia Goerger, secretary of the the Southeast Tri-Community Theater. “We are really hoping that the people will not only take part in this new production, but find it very enjoyable.”
“Arsenic and Old Lace” will be staged on the main floor of the Mule Barn, where there is limited seating. Goerger said the area comfortably seats 100 guests.
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“The food will all be made by the Bagg Bonanza cooks and volunteers,” Goerger said. Youth from
the area 4-H clubs will serve the meals and also direct parking at the farm site.
Goerger said “Arsenic and Old Lace” was chosen due to its classic nature and recognizable plot.
“By choosing a classic that people have heard of we hope it will stimulate excitement,” she said.
Set in 1941, the play’s scene is set in New York with a man named Mortimer Brewster as the
main character. He is finally to be wed, but before the marriage Brewster wants to deliver the news to his aunts – two elderly women known for their charity and kind nature. Brewster soon finds out they are far from sweet when he discovers numerous bodies buried in their basement. Adding to the dangerous situation, Brewster’s brother makes an appearance at the home of their aunts with a dead body of his own stored in his vehicle. Brewster, in just one day, attempts to deal with the insanity and cater to his new bride at the same time.
“It’s a fun, fun play to do and it’s a real crowd pleaser,” said Norma Jean Kjos, Wyndmere, who is playing the part of Abby Brewster, one of the aunts. “It is a really fun role, but oh my goodness, there’s so many lines.”
Joining the production was an easy decision to make for Kjos, who over the past several years has played the role of director and was not able to be on stage. Although she has a lot of lines to memorize, the classic nature of her character may allow her to improvise and make her appealing to the audience.
“It’s really an outlet for me, just to be on stage,” Kjos said.
Goerger said the volunteer cast of 12 is terrific and all joined the production with experience in theater. Tony Reinfeld, who directs theater at North Dakota State College of Science, is directing the show.
“One of our board members [Tom Jones] is also an actor and he is in three different parts, because the play demands so many male roles,” Goerger said.
The Bagg Bonanza farm is proud to be hosting “Arsenic and Old Lace,” as the stage and play setting was built by hand, from the ground up.
“I think that it’s folksy enough, the atmosphere, they’ll be seated nicely at tables,” Goerger said.
For more information, or to reserve a spot at one of the shows call 701-439-2382 or 701-640-4333.
a fan wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:55 AM:
just wondering wrote on Aug 2, 2009 12:46 PM: