State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, will play a deranged man who thinks he is President Theodore Roosevelt in Eastern’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

The production will be the first-ever theater production at Doudna Fine Arts Center. Rose said the rehearsals have taught him a few things about himself.

“I’m a lot better at extemperaneous speaking than reading and learning lines,” he said.

Rose said he has known Eastern’s theater arts business manager J. Sain for nearly 18 years.

During a conversation in May, Sain said they had not decided on a first production for the arts center.

Rose said he had seen “Arsenic” in about 6th grade and suggested the production. A couple of weeks later, Sain called asking him if he wanted to play the part of Teddy.

“It’s just a fun role,” Rose said. “Roosevelt is my favorite president.”

Rose said he has been impressed by the professionalism students have shown in the preparation.

“I just hope I don’t embarrass them,” he said.