Wayside Theatre play reading Sunday afternoon

DEXTER — A play reading of “Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place at the Wayside Theatre at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14. Calling all shy, lazy actors. No experience needed, no lines to memorize, no rehearsals, no stage directions or costumes. Just sit on the stage, read a part (or two or three, depending) and have fun. Scripts provided.

Wayside’s new play reading group is free and open to all. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks for “intermission.” The theatre hopes this will become a monthly event, with a new play chosen by the group each time.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” is a dark, screwball comedy that takes place in the 1940s in Brooklyn, New York. Mortimer Brewster visits his sweet, spinster aunts to introduce his fiancé. Though Mortimer always knew that his family was a bit mad, his world is turned upside down when he realizes that his dear aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years! And they were planning to bury their newest victim that night! Mortimer must rally to help his aunts and protect his fiancé — all while trying to keep his own sanity as well.

This play explores themes of family loyalty, nature versus nurture, and whether we can ever truly break away from our family’s influence.

For more information call Dawn Huntt at 924-5198 or see “Wayside Grange and Theatre.” on Facebook This 100-year-old building is at 851 North Dexter Road (Route 23).