Green Curtains Breathes New Life Into Classic Comedy with "Arsenic and Old Lace – A Live Radio Play”

by KAYT MYERS 

The Green Curtains theater group closed their spring production of Arsenic and Old Lace – A Radio Play to resounding applause and heartfelt community appreciation, proving that the golden age of radio still has the power to entertain and surprise.
Director Laura Savinetti-Moberly, who led the creative vision for this unique adaptation, shared: “Presenting Arsenic & Old Lace as a radio play introduced the cast to the art of being voice actors and working with sound effects to set the scene. The cast discovered their characters by focusing solely on vocal delivery. It was a different experience for the actors as well as the audience—something old was new again.”
From the moment audience members entered the venue and saw vintage-looking microphone stands, 1940s-inspired costumes, an “On Air” sign, and an open stage with a live Foley (sound effect) artist, it was clear this wasn’t your typical production. This radio-style retelling invited the audience to lean into their imaginations—with some choosing to close their eyes and simply listen, transported by the voices and timing of classic sound effects like creaking doors and sinister footsteps.
Audience reactions echoed the success of the concept:

“Who didn’t go to sleep with their transistor radio under their pillow listening to radio dramas like The Shadow? Visualize with every sound effect, your imagination running wild.”
“The evil characters made my blood run cold… set against the ever-so-sweet Aunties who kill for ‘charity.’”
 “Costumes, hair, and makeup were so authentic! And the story and delivery are a hoot!”
The cast delivered memorable performances, guided by a crew of dedicated volunteers:

CAST & ON-STAGE CREW 
Host: Pauline Benson
Abby Brewster: Melissa Holcombe
The Rev. Dr. Harper: Jim McCoy
Officer Brophy: Jim Haynes
Martha Brewster: Carol Tummons
Mortimer Brewster: David Hiney
Elaine Harper: Penny Anderson
Jonathan Brewster: Ed Holcombe
Dr. Einstein: David McKloskey
Lieutenant Rooney: Scott Crane
Mr. Witherspoon: David Merrills
Teddy Brewster: Frank Seminski
Stage Manager (on-stage): Liam Myers Foley
Sound Effects Artist (on-stage): York Rushin 
Commercial Team: Ilene Ciperson & Carol McKloskey

PRODUCTION TEAM
Producer: Ilene Ciperson
Assistant Producer: Susan Pasikowski 
Director: Laura Savinetti-Moberly 
Assistant Director: Ted Varner 
Director’s Assistant: Joby Brown 
Stage Manager: Susan Ballantyne 
Assistant Stage Manager: Karen Low 
Props Manager: Betsy Boatz 
Lighting Director: Larry Lowe
Lighting Assistants: Robert Downey, Laura Clegg 
Sound Director: York Rushin
Sound Assistant: Bryan Maynard
Video Director: Vicki Aleck 
Costume Director: Susan Pasikowski 
Hair & Make-Up: Jennifer Posillico
Hair & Make-Up Assistant: Judi Jester 
Set Designer: Dale Howe
Set Crew: Dale Howe, Greg Leu, Jerry Marinski, Wendall Jahr, Tim Thomas 
Publicity: Kayt Myers
Table Décor: Geri Huminski, Liz Wierzba, Deb Ross

Green Curtains continues to be a creative force in Savannah Lakes Village, surprising and delighting audiences with inventive takes on beloved classics as well as new shows. With each production, this volunteer troupe showcases the depth of local talent and the joy of shared storytelling.