By Ashley Dodd and Stephanie Kissell GUEST COLUMNISTS
Searching for a fun night out this off season? Look no further than Big Sky Community Theater’s fall production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” written by Joseph Kesselring and presented at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center on Nov. 13 and 14. Open to all ages, each production starts at 7 p.m. with tickets available online.
A delightful and quirky comedy set in the middle of the 20th century, “Arsenic and Old Lace” is the story of two elderly sisters who aren’t exactly as they seem. When their eccentric hobby clashes with the more conservative nature of their nephew Mortimer, the chaos begins. Add to the mix one long lost brother who thinks he’s well above the law—and another who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt—and you have the ingredients for a madcap mash-up of misunderstanding and mayhem. A cadre of cops, a well-meaning reverend, a disregarded girlfriend and a few clueless codgers round out a superb cast ready to have you laughing throughout the evening.
With doors opening at 6:30 p.m., audience members can expect to see longtime supporters of the arts Pam Flach and the BYWOM crew providing refreshments as well as a lobby of photographs and short biographies designed to introduce the familiar faces of onstage and behind the scenes players.
Kicking off its 13th season, Big Sky Community Theater continues to be a grassroots effort and a labor of love, with a desire to involve as many people as possible.
This season’s show brings a cast of nearly 20 local actors to the stage, with many more involved behind the scenes. From veteran performers to others brand new to the theater, the goal is to provide a place for anyone to come and flex their creativity. Working with a shoestring budget and a schedule designed to accommodate the varied work hours and multiple hats that many of our community wear, BSCT brings a sense of community, purpose, and a chance to play while providing a creative outlet for some of Big Sky’s quieter months. With help from Big Sky Thrift (and seasonal Halloween stores) for costumes, cooperative labor from cast and crew on set design and build, and props sourced from basements, Facebook asks and random garage sale finds, BSCT truly brings the spirit of cooperation and resourcefulness to the theater.
Those interested in becoming a part of Big Sky Community Theater may contact ashleyhegseth@gmail.com to inquire about future opportunities and events, and to be kept up to date on our two mainstage presentations each year.
