Alene Blomquist and Lenore Ferber star in "Arsenic and Old Lace."

Photo courtesy of Emergent Arts

The Emergent Arts Company will present the classic American comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace" May 19-22 at Arthur Miller Theatre in The Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin.

Shows are 8 p.m. Thursday, May 19 and Friday, May 20; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 21; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 22. Tickets are $20 general admission, or $16 for seniors and students with ID. (Discount tickets to the special preview night performance on Wednesday, May 18 at 8 p.m. are $10 each.) To purchase advance tickets, visit www.emergentarts.com.

In another war-time era, when Americans were hungry for some old-fashioned but smart entertainment, "Arsenic and Old Lace" stepped up and took its place as first among American comedies.

Running almost 1500 peformances in its original staging, it was called “swift, dry, satirical and exciting,” and “so funny that none of us will ever forget it” by Brooks Atkinson of the New York Times. Part horror story, part comedic farce, part romance, this gem of American theater features brilliant wit, crazily real characters, and unrestrained, if unhinged, heartfelt sentiment.

Emergent Arts' production features critically praised local actors Jeff Stringer, Larry Rusinsky, Lenore Ferber, Alene Blomquist, Paul Bianchi, David Widmayer, Mouse Courtois, Gary Regal, Timothy Brayman, Andy Jentzen, Jeff Stringer, Christopher Potter and others. Directed by Tim Henning.

E-mail info@emergentarts.com for additional info, or call 734-985-0875.