Rudolph, who resides in South Lebanon, has been involved in other local, community theater groups including Mason Community Players and Middletown Lyric Theatre. This is her debut role with Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre.
“I am the right age. I’m the age of Abby, so I feel like I’ve had life experience, and I know these people. I grew up on the East Coast, so I bring that to the role as well. The show is set in Brooklyn, New York, and I know Brooklyn well. So many of the expressions used in the show are things I grew up hearing,” Rudolph said.
Directed by Scott Christian and produced by Tracy Botos and Ashleigh Beckman, “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a dark comedy that has entertained theatergoers for decades with a mix of humor and suspense. The Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, seem like sweet, elderly ladies on the surface, but they are harboring a secret.
“The show is about these two little old ladies who live with their nephew in an old house in Brooklyn, and their other nephew is a dramatic critic, and he becomes engaged to the girl next door, who is the pastor’s daughter. Then, a third brother arrives, and he has been away for many years, and he’s a pretty bad character, so he comes and shakes the whole thing up, but the two old ladies have a secret,” Rudolph said.
The chemistry among the cast is strong, everyone is amazingly talented, and builds upon each other, she said.
“I hope that people walk away laughing, feeling like they’ve had a really good night of entertainment,” said Rudolph. “The show promises a fun evening with a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns.”
HOW TO GO
What: Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre to present “Arsenic and Old Lace”
When: Show times are 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Parrish Auditorium, 1601 University Blvd., on the Miami University Hamilton campus
Cost: Individual tickets are $18. Tickets for students and senior adults older than 60 are $17. Group tickets of 20 or more are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ghctplay.com, in-person at the door the day of the show, and by phone at (513) 737-PLAY
More info: ghctplay.com