Arsenic and Old Lace' at CSC this weekend

The elaborate plot follows the Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, who at first glance appear to be sweet, doting old maids, but are actually serial killers who offer elderly men their arsenic-laced elderberry wine to help prevent “loneliness.” Two of Chadron State’s finest actresses in recent years, Hannah Huckfeldt and Hannah McMaster, both of Chadron, portray the deranged sisters.

But the idiosyncrasies of the Brewster family extends well beyond Abby and Martha, and that’s what makes the play hilarious.

The youngest of three nephews is played by Heath Draney of Omaha, the reigning CSC chess champion. He portrays Teddy, who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt and is sure he’s building the Panama Canal in the basement of the sisters’ Brooklyn home. But he’s really burying the elderberry wine victims, and frequently “chaaarrges” up the stairs, also known as San Juan Hill.

Another nephew, Mortimer, portrayed by Lars Monson of Benkelman, tries to protect the sisters from the snoopy officers who come around frequently while Jonathan, played by Cody Griebel of Hot Springs, may be the oddest in the family of odd balls. Jonathan’s even had a “face transplant,” thanks to his trusty sidekick, Dr. Einstein, a plastic surgeon who is portrayed by CSC English professor Robert Doxtator.

Doxtator has appeared in CSC drama productions off and on ever since he arrived on campus 37 years ago and is always good for a few laughs, although he says he plays his latest role fairly straight.

Others in the cast are Shelley Fiester, Lake George, Colo.; Adam Spencer, Grand Island; Alex Schwaz, Bertrand; Dan Giffe, Dawson; Brian Shafer, Ord; John Delle, Bassett; and Phil Lockwood and Mark Griffith, Chadron.

Roger Mays is directing the production while Scott Cavin led the set construction and designed the lighting. Maggie Colella is in charge of the costumes.

Tickets are available through the Memorial Hall box office, which is open from 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The prices are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and youths through age 18 if purchased in advance. The phone number is 308-432-6360. All tickets at the door will be $6.