Governor Mark Parkinson has agreed to make a cameo appearance in Topeka Civic Theatre’s (TCT) upcoming opening night gala production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” on September 10. The gala is a fundraiser for the theatre to primarily support educational programming for the 75-year-old theatre.

“Year after year, the gala has always been a special event for the theatre, as we have so many organizations attend to show their support of our programming. But, this year is extra-special with a celebration of our 75th anniversary, and most importantly with a cameo role being performed by our Governor,” said TCT Artistic Director Shannon Reilly.

Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic comedy by Joseph Kesselring and is considered one of the most beloved plays in the history of American Theatre. The plot involves two charming and innocent sisters who run a boarding house. Unfortunately for the sisters, they accidentally poison their guests with elderberry wine. Added to this are the antics of their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt and another brother who is a malicious killer on the loose. The whole plot ties together for a divinely inspired comedy. Governor Parkinson will perform the role of Gibbs during the September 10 gala performance. After the September 10 performance, another actor will step into the role for the remainder of the run through October 2, 2010.

“The TCT Gala is the first performance of our 75th Anniversary Season and we are so happy to have the support of Governor Parkinson,” said Reilly, “we look forward to having him on our stage.”

Topeka Civic Theatre is the nation’s oldest continuously operating community dinner theatre in the nation. Since 1936, the theatre has been producing shows for individuals and groups of all ages and interests from across the nation. For more information, please visit www.TopekaCivicTheatre.com.

[July 2010 | Topeka Civic Theatre press release | photo by Matt Porubsky]