West Point actors set to perform a classic

Jerry Hugo was 19 years old when his father, Aelred, portrayed Teddy in the play “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Forty years later, the younger Hugo is assuming that role in the West Point Community Theatre’s new production of the show. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 13-15 in the theater in downtown West Point.

The younger Hugo has good memories of his late father’s long-ago stage appearance.

“I distinctly remember watching him,” Hugo said. “It was one of his finest performances.”

The three-act comedy centers on two sisters who turn their home into a boarding house and begin poisoning guests who have no family. Their nephew, Teddy, who believes he’s Teddy Roosevelt, buries the bodies in the cellar, thinking it’s the Panama Canal and he’s burying yellow fever victims. A gangster and his alcoholic plastic surgeon add to the mix of unusual characters. Drama critic Mortimer Brewster may be the only sane one of the bunch.

Cary Grant starred as Brewster in the 1944 movie which also featured Peter Lorre as the plastic surgeon.

West Point area residents comprise the 14-member cast in this area production.

Vicky Craig, who portrays Aunt Martha in the play, appeared as Hugo’s aunt in their senior class production of “Charlie’s Aunt” in 1969. This marks the first time she’s been involved in theater since then, Hugo said.

Chase Becker portrays Dr. Herman Einstein, the plastic surgeon.

“I’m the sidekick of the dark, shady character who’s been chased all over the country. I have to change his face so he’s not recognized,” Becker explained.

Becker is enjoying the role.

“It allows me to have a lot of fun,” he said. “He (Einstein) is kind of in a power struggle with the henchman. He drinks a little too much. It’s fun to play those different aspects of the character.”

He’s also enjoyed the production itself.

“It’s a fun play,” Becker said. “I think this will be the fifth performance I’ve been in since I’ve moved to West Point and I think this one will probably be my favorite play.”

Randy Davis, who portrays Lt. Rooney, is a fan of the show as well.

“I’ve seen the original black and white (movie) version several times and it never ceases to make me laugh,” he said.

Those who attend the play will see what Hugo calls Act 1 of its renovation process. The old auditorium has been converted into a movie and a performing arts theater, Davis said.

Audience members also will see the production’s two-story set which includes a stairway and doors and windows on the second floor.

“The set is going to be phenomenal,” Becker said. “And this is the first time in probably 60 years that the audience will be able to see the full height of the stage, used to its full potential.”

Performances are set for 7 p.m. Nov. 13 -15 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Debbie Ell of West Point is director. Cost is $8 per ticket at the door. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.westpointcommunitytheater.org.

In the spring, the theater group plans to stage the musical, “Oliver,” Hugo said.