SENIOR CLASS MEMORIES: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
There are certain memories that should stand out when we recall our senior year of high school: the prom, graduation, and the senior play. Unfortunately, I never experienced prom or graduation. I quit high school in February of my senior year to flee a miserable household ruled by an alcoholic parent. But I had my senior play as a highlight of memories of my last year of high school.
We performed the comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace", the story of 2 sweet old ladies who mercifully kill any stranger who comes to their house who has no family. To spice up the story, there is a nephew who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt and 2 evil nephews as well as one who is trying to maintain his sanity in all this. I played the sister, Abby Brewster.
I actually didn't want to be in the play as I had a very heavy work load and didn't feel I could juggle all that a play would require of me. I was called in the director's (the English teacher) office and was told to recite the Lord's Prayer and the next thing I knew I was handed a script.
I actually think she had me in mind because of my physical appearance and structure. I was short and chubby and had an innocent face.
We spent 3 months preparing for this play. There were so many memories..too many to list here. 2 weeks before the opening, I was hit with a hockey stick in gym class and ended up with 2 black eyes and a concussion. The director was convinced I did this on purpose so I didn't have to perform. Good God, the woman was crazy!!! I spent hours on preparing for this role and was not going to forfeit it now. So with the doctor's ok, a lot of stage make-up, and with a lot of determination, I was there when the curtains went up...as the old saying goes, "The show must go on!" The show was a hit and was worth all the hours of rehersal and preparation.
I still have my original script (I sold my first husband's wedding ring set, but kept this after 45 years--makes one wonder exactly where my priorities are) and it remains a fond memory of my high school years. I recently purchased the DVD of "Arsenic and Old Lace" and plan on taking a trip back in time watching it.
ANSWER TO LAST TRIVIA QUESTION: The bottle top of a Royal Crown Cola bottle used to have holes in it. Why? So it could be used after it was empty to sprinkle clothes before ironing them.
TODAY'S TRIVIA QUESTION: Where would you find Fibber McGee and Molly?
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Remember, our senior citizens are worth a fortune, with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs.
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