In just a few weeks, Highland School will open its theater to the public for its 37th production, the campus comedy Arsenic and Old Lace. The play, written by Joseph Kesselring, followed two old ladies into comic madness. The plot represents the culmination of a team effort between parents, teachers, Middle and Upper School students, and theatre Director Chad Haught.

Hughes is sure that the show will be one to remember. "Arsenic and Old Lace is one of the classic comedies," he stated. "It's one of the best plays that's been made into a very successful movie."

Even though he's put on the show before, Hughes knows it's important to keep things fresh. "Every show is new and there will be new challenges even if I've done a show previously," he's been trying to look at things with fresh eyes." Like the show's cast makes it totally different from the rest. The best is different and I try to know what works and what doesn't, but it's always a surprise if someone new marks. "I try to make it a practice to include freshmen in every show, and it's great to see what they bring to the table."

This year's production boasts a remarkable cast indeed, with two rising stars with serious stages are very serious about what they do, and at first, that was intimidating. Now, it's really neat to learn from other people who are passionate about acting.

For Sammy, putting on this show is a team effort. "I'm not necessarily nervous about being the lead," he said. "There are a lot of other characters in the play, and a lot that matter just as many lines as I do. I don't feel it's all on me. My job is just to make sure that my lines are right so that other actors have the right cues and it flows well together."

When we asked the Players what audiences should expect, they will give the same answer: they are ready to laugh! Mike Hughes' Angel (I agree) the humiliation of the tables of Life is all around us.

"And the strangeness of family dynamics," added Zaglini.

Mark your calendars for Arsenic and Old Lace in the Michael A. Hughes Center for Performing Arts. The show opens at 7 pm on December 2nd, with a Saturday show at 7 pm on December 3rd, and the matinee at 3 pm on the 4th. The cast can't wait to see you there!