Some of you may have had the chance to attend one of this weekend’s three perfomances of Arsenic and Old Lace, here at BBC. If so, you most likely laughed until you thought you could laugh no more! The play was full of every bit of entertainment possible! One moment of being frozen in suspense shifted instantly to a roar of laughter. There was a cute little love story woven into the play, along with a sinister character, or two, or maybe more…? At any rate, I would have to say that Arsenic and Old Lace was “bully, just bully!”

Because many of my close friends are part of the cast and crew of this year’s Spring Play, I have had the unique opportunity of seeing many sides of the performance. From watching all three nights the play ran, to running lines with characters, and even to being a guinea pig for make up training (which is a whole ‘nother story!), I have, from a closer distance than most, watched this play come into being. 

Sure I could talk about the acting, the make-up, the energy – and it all ought to be talked about, because the play truly was fantastic. Still, as I thought about what to say in reference to the entire experience, I am so blown away by the set.

The entire play takes place inside the home of the Brewster family which made for a massive set that covered the entire length of the stage area. It was constructed by Jon Strayer, a BBC staff member, and some other BBC’ers. Mr. Strayer was back stage for weeks building the set that used real doors, windows, and all sorts of things.

Just five days before opening night, the cast, crew, and some other BBC students and staff members pitched in from morning to evening painting, stenciling, sponging, decorating, and furnishing the Brewster home. I was even able to lend a hand hanging a picture and hunting down a prop or two!

Watching so many talented people from our drama department put together such an extravagent set was wonderful, and seeing the Cast bring it all to life three nights in a row was truly priceless!