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Cast renders poisonously funny ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ at YP
By Lorraine Wardle
youngstown
Few plays stand the test of time as well as “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Since it premiered on Broadway nearly 75 years ago, the show has become one of America’s most beloved and produced farces.
In fact, two local community theaters have staged the play in the past three months.
The latest revival of the classic comedy opened Friday to an excited and appreciative audience at the Youngstown Playhouse.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” takes place in a day — or rather a night — in the life of Mortimer Brewster.
Mortimer is a successful journalist whose life is about to be turned upside-down. Mortimer lives in New York City and often visits his two loving aunts in Brooklyn. Conveniently, his girlfriend lives next door. The only abnormal part of his life is his brother, who believes he’s Teddy Roosevelt. But all of that is about to change.
One September evening, Mortimer gets a shocking surprise, receives some unexpected visitors and discovers a number of family secrets that nearly destroy his almost-perfect life. Not to worry, though, this is a farce, so it all works out in the end.
Director David El’Hatton has assembled a cast of the area’s finest actors to bring the show to life.
As Mortimer Brewster, John Cox led the cast with a tireless and frenetic performance. Cox was a joy to watch as his body language and facial expressions communicate every thought and emotion that rapidly cross his character’s mind.
Terri A. Wilkes and Dana Dunnavant played aunts Abby and Martha Brewster as the kindest and most innocent women. They are the epitomes of sweet little old ladies. As Mortimer’s girlfriend, Elaine Harper, Victoria Lubonovich was sweet and subtle.
Frank G. Martin’s portrayal of Teddy Brewster was perfect. Martin was hilarious as the delusional Brewster brother, becoming a charming caricature of the booming, vivacious former president.
As oldest brother Jonathan Brewster, Charles Simon was frightening and imposing. His stance and demeanor conveyed his sinister persona. David Jendre’s characterization of Dr. Einstein was absolutely amazing and had the audience in stitches.
The excellent supporting cast consisted of theater veterans Tom O’Donnell, Joseph Scarvell and Dennis Villa as well as comparatively newer actors Ezekiel Ellis, Jim Hain, Daniel Lancy and Vijay Welch-Young.
Anchoring the play firmly in the 1940s were the beautiful costumes, designed by Liz Nalepa, that fit the time period perfectly and Jim Lybarger’s gorgeous set design that recreated a grand Victorian mansion.
El’Hatton’s directing expertise and familiarity with the show combined all the elements of the production, from the actors to the designers, to create a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” continues today and next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Youngstown Playhouse. For tickets, call 330-788-8739.