Topeka ? Gov. Mark Parkinson will step from the political stage to the theater stage for one night as he plays a role in “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Parkinson is performing as part of the opening night gala production, which is a fundraiser for the Topeka Civic Theatre. Former Govs. Kathleen Sebelius and Bill Graves also had cameo roles in the theater’s fundraisers.

“TCT has always received incredible support from patrons, volunteers, organizations and political leaders, and to have the governor actually be willing to step on stage, that’s a huge honor for the theater,” said TCT artistic director Shannon Reilly.

Parkinson will play the role of Mr. Gibbs during the Sept. 10 performance. Another actor will take over the role after that for the remainder of the show’s run through Oct. 2.

Parkinson’s office said the governor has not acted before. Ironically, when he was in high school he tried out for the same part in “Arsenic and Old Lace” — and was rejected, his office said.