A perennial favorite takes the stage at Heartwood Regional Theater Company in Damariscotta, as farce, melodrama, absurdity and horror blend smoothly into a delicious concoction that has delighted audiences for over 70 years. “Arsenic & Old Lace,” by Joseph Kesserling, opens May 2 in the Poe Theater, at Lincoln Academy.

Madcap, zany and fast-paced, this story is set in a Victorian home in Brooklyn. Probably best know from Frank Capra's over-the-top movie version starring Cary Grant, the play was first a Broadway hit, just before America entered World War II, starring none other than Boris Karloff.

Under the direction of Griff Braley, an uproarious cast is led by well known and beloved actresses Suzanne Rankin and Nancy Durgin (both of Wiscasset), in whose capable hands the two loving spinster sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, run an odd and ghastly “charity.”

This old chestnut brings the return of Chris Davis, who played Macbeth in Heartwood's spring 2013 interpretation of the Shakespearean play, now playing Mortimer Brewster. A wonderful collection of players seen throughout Heartwood’s first decade, round out the cast: Nancy-Grace Dersham, Ron Bouffard, Kevin Lynch, Tom Handel, Anthony Genovese, Joe McGrann, Stephen Wallace, Coady Robson, Tyson Bailey and Bill Vaughan.

Performances will run for two weekends in the Parker Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Evening performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. will be presented May 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 with one 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 4. Reservations are strongly suggested. This show is sure to sell out.

Seating is general, though special reservations may be made at the time of reservation. Tickets are $8/students and $22/adults. Tickets: call 207-563-1373 or boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org.

Personalized gift certificates are always available by contacting Heartwood Theater — a wonderful gift idea for Mother’s Day.

Great theater requires great sponsors, and there are several bringing this comedy to life: Bath Savings Institution, Heartwood’s Season Sponsor; Granite Hill Estates, season productions sponsor; and show sponsors Hook Yarn and Stitcher of Hallowell, Cheney Insurance and Newcastle Square Realty.

Presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, New York.