Published: October 11, 2008 11:18 pm         

PCT’s ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ opening Friday

PALESTINE — The Palestine Community Theatre guarantees laughter during their presentation of the farcical black comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” by Joseph Kesselring at the Texas Theater. Opening this Friday, the show is sponsored in part by Radio KNET and KYYK, and directed by Terri Warren.

The play revolves around Mortimer Brewster, a theater-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, New York while trying to decide if he should keep his promise to marry the woman he loves.

“Gerry Don Goodwin is absolutely perfect in the role of Mortimer Brewster,” declared Warren. “All of his nervous energy is wonderful.”

Her enthusiasm is echoed by fellow cast members like Dixie Curtis.

“Gerry Don is so good in this role,” noted Curtis, “and he has never even seen the play or the movie!”

They are both right. Goodwin’s energy is infectious as the other actors raise the level of their performances in response to his sharp delivery and expressive mannerisms. Goodwin’s comedic timing is faultless. For example, his barely concealed hysteria is in sharp contrast to the calm demeanor displayed by his two aunts as they describe their modus operandi for dispatching unsuspecting old men. As the play progresses, Goodwin’s character unravels even more from the strain of also dealing with a job he dislikes, an angry fiancé, his insane brothers, and unobservant police officers.

Ruth Brown and Scarlett Drane play the two sweet, but misguided spinster aunts Abby and Martha Brewster.

“Ruth has played small parts in many of our productions,” said Warren. “I was just thrilled to offer her the major part of Abby — and Scarlett is just precious as Martha. The sisters titter and patter about worrying over the religious affiliations and the final resting places of the recipients of their ‘charity.’”

PCT Newcomer Scott Holden steals the scene as Mortimer’s brother Teddy. Teddy believes that he is President Theodore Roosevelt and re-enacts the highlights of the politician’s colorful career with gusto. Particular crowd pleasers will be the “Charge!” up San Juan Hill and the concern over “yellow fever” during the building of the Panama Canal.

“Scott is doing an absolutely wonderful job as Teddy,” said Warren. “He has been diligent about making rehearsals in spite of a busy schedule as an assistant district attorney.”

“Dixie is also wonderful as Mortimer’s girlfriend,” Warren continued. “That goes without saying.”

Curtis once again brings her enthusiasm and professionalism to the theater as the very fashionable preacher’s daughter Elaine. Elaine sees in Mortimer the potential life has to offer only at hinted at in the choir loft. Besides, as Elaine gushes, “it’s wonderful to go to the theater almost every night of my life!”

The chemistry between Goodwin and Curtis sizzles and will have the audience wishing for an invitation to their wedding.

On the other hand, Dan Bubach’s portrayal of Mortimer’s vicious brother Jonathon will have the audience calling for the police.

“Dan is such a clown,“ Warren said. “I’ve asked Dan to stretch his acting muscles and bring out his sinister side.”

Jonathon is an escaped convict traveling with his alcoholic accomplice the plastic surgeon Dr Herman Einstein. Charlie Lamb does a great job developing the soft-spoken and cringing doctor having second thoughts regarding his association with Jonathon.

Jim Vincill and Richard Farris Jr. play the two cops Officer Brophy and Officer Klein respectively. What they lack in mental acuity, they more than make-up for with billy clubs. Joining them walking the neighborhood beat is Officer O’Hara. Bruce Andrews is funny as the oblivious policeman banking on Mortimer’s help to become a published playwright.

Keeping tabs on his easily distracted officers is Glenn Barnhart as Lt. Rooney.

“I studied theater in college,” Glenn Barnhart said. “I’ve always wanted to get involved in community theater.”

Barnhart puts his skills to good use as a man calm in the face of looming disaster. Completing the excellent cast is Bobby Ray as the Rev. Dr. Harper, Jude Vurgason as Mrs. Witherspoon, and Warren’s father Cecil Crutcher II as Mr. Gibbs.

“Dad is just loving it, he is such a ham,” said Warren.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” was originally written in 1939 by American playwright Joseph Kesselring during a time when most stage dramas tended to be serious examinations of the political and social realities of the age. However, audiences living through the Depression and fearing involvement in another war became more interested in escape from daily life. Thus, audiences flocked to Kesselring’s play satirizing charitable impulses and poking fun at the conventions of theater.

Like 60-some years ago, the PCT version of “Arsenic and Old Lace” provides a welcome distraction from more Wall Street problems and an overseas war. However, unlike Mortimer, this critic did not write her review on the way to the theater!

Show dates are Oct. 17-19 and 24-25. Friday and Saturday evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon matinees begin at 2 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 4 to 18. Tickets at the door are $12. All opening night tickets, which include the wine and cheese reception co-sponsored by the PCT and Ben E. Keith Beers, are $12. Tickets may be purchased at Education Unlimited (903-723-8383) and at the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce (903-729-6066).

     

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