COLUMBIA — Maplewood Barn Community Theater's production of "Arsenic and Old Lace," which was scheduled to open May 14, has been postponed until May 21.
A fire April 5 burned down the barn and damaged its contents, including a new stage and electrical wiring. Rain has delayed stage repairs and has made it difficult to build a set in time for rehearsals for the original scheduled opening.
Although the production has had offers to perform on other stages, the board of directors has decided to keep the production in Nifong Park, said Michael Scott, the president of the board.
“We have had such a wonderful outgoing of support,” Scott said. “But along with all that generosity, we knew that emotionally we needed to get back in Nifong Park as soon as we can.”
The additional week will give the crew more time to finish set construction, gather together props and prepare the environment for the performance, Scott said.
“We can’t control the weather,” Scott said. “But we would rather have two weeks here than three weeks in another location.”