More than 35 years ago Justin-Siena High School, under the direction of the late Robert C. Morrish, staged “Arsenic and Old Lace” as the school’s first theatrical production. Today, Justin-Siena’s Theater Department Director Matthew Teague Miller says that while the legacy of arts on campus and the tribute to Morrish are part of the reason for staging the play again, “it’s just a really fun and very funny show.”

Joseph Kesselring’s classic comedy tells the tale of the likable Mortimer, a drama critic who discovers that his sweet, pious, elderly aunts are also homicidal maniacs with a habit of murdering lonely old men.

Justin-Siena’s production is set in 2006. Miller said,  “By changing a very minor word here or there, such as World War II to our current military situation, we have made the story more relevant and relatable.”

Seventeen students and four teachers make up the mostly-male cast.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” is directed by Teague Miller with lighting by Tom Durante and set design by Eric Steggall. The cast includes Laura Arbios, Fiona Barbour, Vincent Beard, Christopher Berghout, Lauren Bunnell, Wayne Doyle, Andrew Findley, Robert Francis, Jeffrey Gerlomes, Josh Heine, Chelsea Holifield, Jordan Joske, Richard Landry, John Malin, Mark Marden, Joseph Miller, Caroline Palmisano, Eric Quast, Simon Rebullida, Dick Tres and Coby Van Staaveren.

Justin-Siena’s 2006-2007 theater season will continue with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged” and then the Napa Valley premiere of the musical “Cats” set for April 2007.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” opened last weekend and continues this week with performances Friday, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for students (with ID) and senior citizens. For tickets or more information call Justin-Siena Theater at 255-0950 ext. 659.