Kim Bessler as Abby Brewster, Joanne Bauer as Martha Brewster) and Alan Barnetta’s Mr. Gibbs. Photo by Reed Sigmon.
Joseph Kesselring’s 1939 play Arsenic and Old Lace features an eccentric cast of characters, a fast-paced plot with many twists and turns, and a number of comic moments. The Bowie Community Theatre’s production of this black comedy contains all of these elements, and the outstanding acting and set design make for a wonderful performance of this classic show.
…a spooky but wonderful pastime! The visually impressive stage design, the convincing acting and the appropriate atmosphere of the theater ensure an unforgettable experience.
Brilliantly directed by Randy Tusing, Arsenic and Old Lace centers on two elderly aunts, Martha Brewster (Joanne Bauer) and Abby Brewster (Kim Bessler). In a scene intended as an act of kindness to lonely old men, Martha and Abby murder them by serving them elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and cyanide. The aunts’ nephew, Mortimer Brewster (Joey Rolandelli), is a theater critic engaged to the local minister’s daughter, Elaine Harper (Eliza Geib). Much to his surprise, Mortimer discovers one of his aunts’ victims in the window seat. His brother Teddy (Amanda Matousek), who believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt, has been aiding his aunts in their plot by hiding their victims in the basement. Mortimer’s shock continues with this discovery. To make things even more complicated, Mortimer’s other brother Jonathan (Roy Hammond), a murderer on the run from the police, unexpectedly shows up at the house. Jonathan has undergone several botched plastic surgeries by alcoholic surgeon Dr. Einstein (Marc Rehr) to conceal his identity.
Bauer and Bessler delivered outstanding performances in their roles as the deadly aunts. Their sharp acting and comedic timing were spectacular and both women truly embodied their roles. Rolandelli’s performance as Mortimer was very entertaining and his dramatic reactions and enthusiastic line delivery elicited many laughs from the audience. Geib showed strong acting and impressive stage presence as Elaine and her chemistry with Rolandelli was very well cast. Matousek was adorable as Teddy and her slapstick antics were comedically on point. Hammond’s imposing physicality and truly sinister performance as Jonathan made for a solid performance. Rehr portrayed Dr. Einstein’s submissive personality very well with his timid singing and memorable moments of physical comedy.
The team of Roy Hammond, who was responsible for the set decoration/set design, set supervisor Alan Barnett and set supervisor Rose Hull did an excellent job designing the 1940s-style Victorian mansion in Brooklyn where the play is set. Hammond provided many of the set elements, including sconces and period decorations, furniture and artwork. Upon entering the intimate Bowie Playhouse, the set is lit only by candlelight and adds greatly to the mood. The 1940s music playing in the background immediately transported the audience to the time period of the play.
The Bowie Community Theatre’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a spooky but wonderful pastime! The visually impressive set, the convincing acting and the appropriate atmosphere of the theatre ensure an unforgettable experience. This interpretation of Kesselring’s classic is definitely worth seeing and will delight the audience.
Running time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including two intermissions: a 15-minute intermission between Acts I and Act 2 and a 10-minute intermission before Act 3.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” runs through September 8, 2024, presented by the Bowie Community Theatre at the Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, Bowie, MD 20715. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit on-line or visit the box office before the performance begins.
