Talk about your dysfunctional families!

Two spinsterly sisters have a poisonous “hobby" that leaves lonely old men lifeless; a brother thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt; a murderous brother’s extreme makeovers make him look like Boris Karloff—and this is just for starters as Riverbank Community Theater’s version of “Arsenic and Old Lace" comes to Oakdale High March 28-30 and April 4-6.

This classic farcical black comedy is set inside a Victorian-style house in 1941 Brooklyn and has been a much-loved standard in theaters big and small for many years.

Director Robin Bjerke nicely sums up much of the wackiness that intrudes onto this seemingly serene tableau.

“Well, let’s see," Bjerke starts out, “there are twelve bodies in the cellar and one in the window seat, the murderous brother has had his face changed three times by a drunken plastic surgeon and they all live next door to a cemetery."

Giving life to this crazy cast of characters is a talented, veteran group of adults from Riverbank and the greater Modesto area that is sure to make RCT’s first offering of this, its fifth season of shows, a popular one.

Another plus for this production is its venue. This will be the second show RCT has performed in Oakdale High’s theater, which offers wonderful acoustics and a comfortable unobstructed view for the audience.

A 501c3 tax exempt organization dedicated to providing intentionally family-oriented fare, RCT will also offer up the musical “Bye-Bye Birdie" and “It’s a Wonderful Life"? to round out its 2008 season.

Tickets for “Arsenic and Old Lace" will be ten dollars for adults and eight dollars for seniors and children under 12. Tickets will be available by calling 209 480-2601.

Other ticket-purchasing options include contacting RCT by e-mail or purchasing online. More information on ticketing is available at the group’s web site, www.rctheater.org [1].