CCT brings dark comedy favorite ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ to the stage

Veteran director Courtright returns

Deb Hankens as Aunt Martha and Roseanne Loucks as Aung Abby witness Dennis Freking, as Jonathan Brewster, enter through the window.

PHOTOS BY DOLORES CULLEN

The set depicts the aunts’ living and dining rooms.

Who’s at the door? Officer O’Hara, played by Michael Schweitzberger.

Storm Laker Dennis Freking, as Jonathan Brewster, is a dangerous man. Here he gets ready to smuggle Elaine Harper, played by Abigail Leuschen, into the basement. Jonathan has undergone plastic surgery to evade police.

Abigail Leuschen, as Elaine Harper, is suspected of being an intruder.

Mortimer’s brother Teddy, played by Gable Sohm, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt.

“You see, insanity runs in my family,” says Mortimer Brewster, played by Kyle Basten.

Posted Thursday, March 5, 2026 2:44 pm

Performances will be held on the following dates and times:

• Friday, March 13, 7 p.m.

• Saturday, March 14, 7 p.m.

• Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m.

• Friday, March 20, 7 p.m.

• Saturday, March 21, 7 p.m.

• Sunday, March 22, 2 p.m.

By Vanessa Rohwer

Cherokee Community Theatre is preparing to open its spring production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a classic dark comedy that has entertained audiences since its 1941 debut. The show will run March 13-15 and 20-22 at the Cherokee Community Center, with performances presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service.

Directed by longtime CCT veteran Jacquelynn Courtright, the production follows Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic whose engagement announcement is derailed when he discovers a corpse hidden in his aunt’s window seat. The discovery leads to an even more startling revelation: his sweet, elderly aunts Abby and Martha are not only aware of the body — they are responsible for it.

The pair have taken to serving poisoned elderberry wine to lonely older men, whom they then bury in the basement with the help of Mortimer’s brother Teddy, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt. The chaos escalates when another brother, Jonathan, returns home after undergoing plastic surgery to evade police.

The production is directed by Jacquelynn Courtright and assisted by Jane Johnston. The cast features Rosanne Loucks as Aunt Abby and Deb Hankens as Aunt Martha, the well‑meaning but murderous Brewster sisters. Kyle Basten stars as Mortimer Brewster, with Abby Leuschen as Elaine Harper and Dave Hickman as Rev. Dr. Harper. Gable Sohm appears as Teddy Brewster, while Dennis Freking takes on the role of the menacing Jonathan Brewster, joined by Brady Meyer as Dr. Einstein.

The police force is portrayed by Gene Galvin (Officer Brophy), Patrick Loughlin (Officer Klein), Michael Schweitzberger (Officer O’Hara) and David Zelle (Lt. Rooney). Justin Walker rounds out the cast in the dual roles of Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Witherspoon.

Written by Joseph Kesselring, “Arsenic and Old Lace” has remained a staple of American theater for its blend of farce, suspense and sharp-witted humor. Courtright said the show’s enduring popularity comes from its ability to balance dark subject matter with lighthearted absurdity.

“It’s a comedy about murder, but it’s really a story about family — the kind of family that drives you crazy and makes you laugh at the same time,” she said.

The cast has spent weeks rehearsing the fast-paced dialogue and physical comedy that define the show. Courtright said audiences can expect a lively performance that honors the original script while showcasing the talents of local actors.

Tickets are available by calling 712-225-4440 or online at www.onthestage.tickets/cherokee-community-theater