Kate is thrilled to be working with her beautiful daughter, talented husband and the lively ensemble cast on this production.  She has been seen on the Playhouse 51 stage in A Christmas Story, Rumors, Goodbye Charlie and It’s A Wonderful Life.  Kate has been involved with every Playhouse 51 production since its inception 7 years ago and encourages everyone to come play a role in Millington’s Community Theatre.

Jacob is 20 years old and this is his first Playhouse51 production.  He enjoys acting and taking photos as a hobby.  Jacob works at the Memphis International Raceway and plans on continuing his college education at Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Terrence is 19 years.  This is his first time performing with Playhouse 51.  He acted in three plays in high school – Little Shop of Horrors, Charlotte’s Web and Murder Ahoy. He would like to thank Danny Armitage for giving him this opportunity and the cast for working with him and accepting him as a new member of Playhouse 51.  “Break a leg, everybody!”

Chris is very pleased to be performing at Playhouse 51 for his second time.  He had so much fun last December in The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge that he had to come back for more.  Chris was previously in Dying Out Loud, a play by Howard Pries, at Evergreen Theatre this past spring.  He will also be performing in this year's Christmas Carol at Theatre Memphis.  He would like to thank the wonderful cast of Arsenic and Old Lace for the fun memories and to the director, Danny Armitage, for giving him this great opportunity.  Chris is especially glad to be working with Mike Domingo again for the third time because without him, all of this wouldn't have been possible (Break a Leg, Bro!!!).  And to the friends and family, "You guys are so great and the support has been awesome.  I'm grateful to be surrounded by so many special people in my life.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as you have the others!!!"

Michael is very happy and excited to be with his PH51 family once again, along with some new and very talented cast. Michael was last seen as Maurice in Howard Pries’s original masterpiece, Dying Out Loud at the Evergreen Theatre. Other Playhouse 51 credits include Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, You Can’t Take It With You, A Party To Murder, and Rumors. Michael has also been part of productions @ Theatre Memphis and theatres in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle).

Michael would love to thank God for everything. He thanks his wife, Traci and daughter, Harli for their love, patience and support. He also thanks his family and friends for their support. Special thanks to Danny for the opportunity to work with him again, alongside his three close friends, and fellow stooges, Sam, Chris and David (Break legs!).

Michael can be seen as a cop in the movie, Soul Men, the upcoming film, Losers Take All, and the independent short film, Here by the Ocean by Undertone Pictures. Michael currently serves as a Seabee in the US Navy.

Mike has been involved in theater for over six years. All of his roles have been with Playhouse 51.  He made his debut in the roles of Joseph and Bert the Cop in the radio show version of It's a Wonderful Life.  He followed that with a performance as Dr. Ernie Cusack in Rumors.  His next play was On Golden Pond, where he played Dr. Bill Ray.  In Moon Over Buffalo he played attorney Richard Maynard.  In The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge he played both Bob Cratchit and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.   Mike is a retired Naval Officer who continues to work for the Navy as an operations research analyst.  He is currently the Community Relations Director for Playhouse 51.  He sings tenor in his church choir, plays guitar, and loves to play golf. He is married to Linda and they have four children and five grandchildren.

Although the role of Martha Brewster is Anita's Playhouse 51 debut, she is no stranger to the stage. Her theatrical experience in recent years includes drama sketches with Faith Baptist Church, Bartlett and Passion Plays at Calvary Church of the Nazarene, Cordova. Anita portrayed the hilarious Mrs. Smith in Calvary's 2006 production of Eugene Ionesco's The Bald Soprano. She is thankful that God has given her a love for theater and the ability to share it! Anita wishes to thank her wonderful husband Griff, her awesome son Craig, her spectacular extended family and her terrific friends for their amazing support!

Barry has participated in just about everything involved in putting on a show at Playhouse 51 since its beginning. He is also webmaster for the group's website (playhouse51.com) and is currently the Administrative Director on the Board of Directors. Barry's performances include Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple: Female Version, It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play, Opal’s Million Dollar Duck, Rumors, Harvey, You Can't Take It With You, The Trial Of Ebenezer Scrooge and A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline. He is proud of the way Playhouse 51 has grown and happy to have been part of that achievement. Barry lives in Atoka with his wife Cindy, his daughter Bonnie and their two dogs, Ricky and Stinker.

David is from Connecticut  where he started acting in the role of Charlie Brown.  This is his passion.  He has done several productions at Playhouse 51, most recently as Ed in You Can’t Take It With You.  He has also stage managed for 2 plays, acted in 6 and co-directed The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge in 2010.  He wants to thank Danny Armitage for this chance and my fellow cast members for making it fun!

Lori was last seen on the Playhouse 51 stage as Truvey in Steel Magnolias.  She did plays in high school and college but it was so long ago she really can’t remember what they were.  Lori also assisted backstage on A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline.  “I guess I got the part because I’m related to the director and I really am crazy!!!

Paul loves his friends and family very much.  He has worked on three other Playhouse 51 plays – The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, Blithe Spirit, and A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline.  Arsenic and Old Lace is one of his favorite plays.  Paul hopes everyone in the audience enjoys the play and has a great night!!

(Officer Klein)

Sam has been in quite a few plays, some dinner theatres and one movie which is now in post production, U R What U Eat.  He would like to wish everyone a great time enjoying the show and would like to thank the cast and crew, my family and future family.  “Now, last but not least I’d like to thank God for Who He is and all He had done for me.”

Director

Arsenic and Old Lace is one of the first shows I did in my 38 years of hanging around the theater. This production is really important to me and my relationship with Playhouse 51. It is a testimony to how far our theater has come in 7 years. I referred to PH51 recently as Millington’s Little Theater and was told it is the biggest entertainment source Millington has to offer. I am very proud of this production and the work of the actors. I greatly appreciate Lori taking on Teddy. It was a crazy thought that I think makes the show more enjoyable. The old men (Gibbs and Witherspoon) are support by a group of a talented actor. Harper is the preacher we all know. The Police guys are all funny and quite the driving force of the show. Michael’s portrayal of Jonathan makes me laugh. I think I have seen the actor playing Einstein

somewhere before.  I have enjoyed watching the development of Mortimer and greater joy in the watching Mike having so much fun. The two old ladies (may not be politically correct, but that is what I called them during rehearsal) got nuttier as the rehearsal process went along. Anita is new to PH51. Her talent and work ethic is second to none. My good friend Jane Lester makes me laugh every day and I thank her for it. Lastly, my beautiful wife amazes me every day with her talent. She may be the reason I have not gotten back on stage. I can’t compete with that kind of talent and commitment to the Millington community. I really think Playhouse 51 would not be here today, if it were not for Kate Armitage. Lastly, give it up for the dead bodies. Ellie and Lauren have been best friends for years and this is their acting debut together. Thank you to the audience and to the Millington City Leaders that have worked with us to bring silly plays of this nature. It allows the Millington community to come out for a few laughs!

Thank you to a great assistant director, stage manager and crew. Kathy and RJ put up with a lot of my craziness during rehearsals.

And if you think this play is silly, wait until you see “A Tuna Christmas!” I hope you enjoy!

Assistant Director

Rhonda is very excited about being involved with Playhouse 51’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace. This is the 7th production that she has worked with at Playhouse 51. She has helped with backstage, lights and has performed in 4 previous productions, including a “drunk  actress” in You Can’t Take it With You. ( A  lot of research went into that part!)  She has enjoyed assisting the great “Armitage” and looks forward to future Playhouse 51 productions.

She would like to thank her family and friends for their support and encouragement as she continues to pursue this crazy theatrical passion.

Kathy has been involved in Playhouse 51 since its inception, serving a term as Administrative Director, working the box office, ushering, concessions, coordinating costumes and working anywhere else an extra hand was needed.  She has been stage manager for numerous productions.  She encourages anyone who has some spare time to volunteer with Playhouse 51. She is always looking for backstage workers.  “It’s a great way to experience the inner workings of the theatre and lots of fun too!”

Calendar - Auditions & Events