“Arsenic And Old Lace” at Antrim Playhouse to be Directed by Marty Andreas

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

On a whim, Andreas auditioned at Antrim Playhouse in Wesley Hills for a role in “The Fantastics,” got it and now 11 years later he is president of the oldest community theatre in Rockland County. Now he is making his directorial debut in the comedy-thriller “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

“A director does everything” Andreas told the Rockland County Times and “that includes me taking a part in the play.” Andreas is playing nephew to two elderly women who have mischievous natures. And the nephew just happens to believe he is President Teddy Roosevelt. “We couldn’t find the proper actor for this role,” says Andreas, “so I will do it.”

This means that Andreas the director will be directing himelf along with he labeled a stellar cast for “Arsenic” that opens March 2 and runs for three weekends.

Andreas said it has been a great experience being part of Antrim. He noted that the theatre is struggling in the slowdown economy. “Where we had about 150 people coming to shows, we now average abut 100 per show,” he said.

With “Arsenic” followed by “Grease,” directed by Randy Accardi and then “Of Mice and Men,” Antrim on Spook Rock Road in Wesley Hills will be winding up its Diamond Jubilee 75th season. While a recent call by Andreas for more volunteers had good results, Andreas said there is always a need for more help. “It takes a lot of people to put on a production,” he averred. Andreas may be contacted at antrimplayhouse.com.

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