'Arsenic and Old Lace' at the Phoenix Stage - My Review

Arsenic and Old Lace is one of twelve plays written by Joseph Kesselring and it is probably the most successful. It has been called a farcical black comedy, an odd combination of words at best. It revolves around Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic from Brooklyn, NY who deals with a crazy, homicidal family, the police and his maybe fiance. His two spinster aunts have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with poison. His  brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home (which then serve as graves for the aunts' victims.) Then his murderous brother shows up, a man who has received really bad plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein. Not exactly a light comedy, but there are certainly some laughs.

Carefully directed by the wonderful Kathy Cook, this large cast (by Phoenix standards, that is) does a great job with the both the crazies and the sane. The beautiful set of the Brewster home, designed by Ed Bassett and constructed by him and Lori and John Poulin, manages to include old lace and a staircase in this small space. The costumes by Mr. Bassett and Agnes Dann are perfect for the period.

The grey-haired Brewster sisters are expertly played by Donna Storms and Tori Richnavsky; they both managed to remain loveable despite their murderous actions. The always hysterical Rob Richnavsky plays Teddy Brewster, who is convinced he is another "bully" Teddy.

In the lead role of Mortimer is Chad S. Belanger; a new face on the Phoenix Stage, this actor had a lot to do and did it well. His love interest is well-played by Teresa Pandolfo. Her very creepy brother-in-law-to-be is played by the chameleon-like Daniel R. Willey, while his accomplice is played by the great John Fabiani.

Brian Elser plays a cop, Joshua Luszczak plays a cop, Rick Fiocco plays a cop (and a doomed older gentlemen) and Jerome Palmeri plays a cop. J. Michel Elser appears once again with his son in a show at the Phoenix as Rev. Harper and Mr. Witherspoon. 

Arsenic and Old Lace
April 20, 26, 27 & May 3, 4 at 8:00pm
April 21 & 28 at 2:00pm

Patch event listing

The Phoenix Stage Company is hosting a fundraiser that ties in with Arsenic and Old Lace. I would not be surprised if the Brewster Sisters make an appearance at the soiree.

Tea with the Brewster Sisters

A special fundraiser for the Phoenix Stage Company

Sat. April 27, 2013 from noon to 2:00pm

$15 per person, limited to 40 seats

A variety of teas will be served, including a specialBrewster Sister Blend

Menu will include:

Ham and Pickle Sandwiches
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Strawberry Cream Cheese on Raisin Bread
Turkey with Cranberry Mayonnaise
Cucumber Sandwiches
and for dessert, an assortment of cookies

Door prizes and chances to win baskets and gifts!

For information or reservations call 203-632-8546