The Brewster sisters are matronly spinsters who are caring, gentle, and the type of neighbors you would love to have….except for one thing: Their charitable hobby is to dispatch lonely old men to their final reward with a glass of wine containing a dash of arsenic, cyanide, and strychnine. Their far-out antics are the basis of one of the most popular stage dark comedies “Arsenic and Old Lace” now offered in the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in Mount Dora.
If you think the sisters are wacky, wait till you meet their nephews Teddy (David Gerrard) who believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt and the sinister Jonathan (Jeff Lindberg) who ‘looks like Boris Karloff.’ The only sane family member is nephew Mortimer (Duncan Bahr), but even that is questionable since he is a dramatic critic.
Director David Clevinger drives this show directly down the fairway center with fine portrayals by Mary Higgins Juravle who plays the alpha sister Agatha and Paula Keenan as the mostly shy Martha. Duncan Bahr nicely handles the lead role of Mortimer with expert diction, movement and reactions.
Lindberg plays the villain straight up, but Gerrard needs to bring his battle cry of “Charge!” up two more notches to be effective. Veteran Glen Howard needs at least a one notch improvement in his portrayal of sleazy, subservient sidekick Dr. Einstein to ace this important role.
There were some opening night misses: Mortimer’s love interest Elaine (Michelle Getchell Marshal) had some wardrobe problems. The shoe of Mr. Spenalzo was not used as a prop. Lt. Rooney is in desperate need of a hat.
Set design and construction is outstanding.
The play opened on Broadway in the summer of 1941 but is better known for the1944 Frank Capra movie starring Cary Grant. For some trivia, who played the following movie roles: Elaine, Jonathan, Dr. Einstein?
The IceHouse presentation of “Arsenic and Old Lace” is downright good entertainment so why not accept the Brewster sister’s invitation to spend the evening with them. Just skip the wine.
The show runs through Oct. 9 with Thursday – Sunday performances. For times, prices, and directions visit their Web Site at www.icehousetheatre.com.
Villager Jack Petro reviews local theater for Villages-News.com
