Dayton's 'Arsenic and Old Lace' Fun for the Whole Family

Jonathan Dayton High School's theater department is pleased to present the farcical black comedy 'Arsenic and Old Lace' at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Dayton auditorium.

Dayton English teacher and the show's director, Anthony DeNicolo, said he selected the play after becoming familiar with the "big personalities" of cast members while working on last year's light comedy 'The Foreigner.' 

Written in 1939 by playwright Joseph Kesselring, 'Arsenic and Old Lace' revolves around two sisters who try to justify murdering old men in their Brooklyn neighborhood. 

"It's one of the most absurb plays ever written," DeNicolo said. "It's been a fun process and it's given the cast a chance to work on the skill of exaggeration. The students have enjoyed working on it and the show fits them. It's silly enough for all ages."

Senior Julie Pica, who stars as Aunt Abby in the production, said bringing the show to life has been bittersweet. 

"It's been fun and hilarious but it's the last time we'll all be doing this together," she said. "There have been so many funny things that have come about during rehearsals that we can't wait to put it in front of an audience."

"It's been a blast," agreed senior Bethany Ralston, who plays Aunt Abby's sister, Martha.

For first-time actor, senior Emmanuel Ofodike, who portrays an overprotective father, performing in a school play was an experience he'd didn't want to miss. 

"It's been a lot of fun," Ofodike said. "I definitely wanted to try it before I graduated. It's been a lot more work than I expected but I've picked up a lot of new skills. It's been a great group to work with." 

While he's sure he'll have some opening night jitters, Ofodike said he intends to pursue acting after high school. 

Crew member Andrew Shanes, a senior who followed in his brother's footsteps to man the lights for productions throughout high school, said the show's small cast has added to the fun. 

Tickets will be sold at the door and are priced at $5 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults. Seating is general admission. The comedy will be performed in two acts with a short intermission. The concession stand will be open before the performance as well as during intermission.