When: 11 – 14 and 18 – 21 May 2011
Where: Theater an der Marschnerstraße, Marschnerstraße 46
How Much: Students 7€, Everyone else 10-15€
Read more: http://www.hamburgplayers.de
Ever felt like seeing a get-together of Teddy Roosevelt, Boris Karloff and Dr. Einstein? Probably not. However, if we have aroused your interest, you should visit Theater an der Marschnerstraße this May where the Hamburg Players will offer their rendition of Joseph Kesselring’s iconic play: ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’. For those unfamiliar with the play or the 1944 film adaptation featuring Cary Grant: It’s a classic, farcical black comedy revolving around the protagonist and soon-to-be-married Mortimer Brewster’s return to his childhood home. Upon arrival he is confronted with his aunt’s peculiar take on charity, a brother who believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt, another brother who turns out to be a serial killer and bears a strange resemblance to Boris Karloff and his alcoholic plastic surgeon Dr. Einstein. While Mortimer is busy keeping the police out of the basement/family morgue, coping with his brothers’ respective forms of insanity he also has to ponder the question of whether insanity runs in the family and if keeping his marriage promise is really a good idea.
For all those who are unfamiliar with the Hamburg Players this would be a great choice for a first visit because in my opinion ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ is the kind of play that shows them at their best and for the regulars this is a good opportunity to discover some new talents alongside the beloved old ones. Oh, and while you’re at it, look out for Mr. Spenalzo’s shoes.
Who are the Hamburg Players?
The Hamburg Players are the city’s best-known English-speaking amateur theatre group and currently playing their 46th season. To provide a taste of their scope: in recent years they have performed A Christmas Carol, Much Ado about Nothing, Murder on the Nile and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof among other plays. Generally speaking the Hamburg Players perform three different plays a year between November and June and do so with a cast made up of native but also foreign speakers.
For anyone interested in the Hamburg Players, getting involved, on- and off-stage, or their other activities, like the improv workshop, I strongly recommend visiting the website.
Verena Struckmann
