REVIEW: Insanity Doesn't Just Run in DLT'S "Arsenic and Old Lace," It Practically Gallops
Dundas Little Theatre (DLT) opens its 2023-24 season with the darkly comedic classic Arsenic and Old Lace. It's a great thematic choice for October: full of mystery, murder and of course, a little mayhem for good measure. Skillfully directed by Peter Lloyd, Arsenic and Old Lace is full of madcap characters, jabs at the theatre industry and its critics (of which there were several in the opening night audience) and despite its long run time of nearly 3 hours (3 Acts, 2 Intermissions), it captivates its audience with its hilarious mishaps and madness.
The story is a classic of old Hollywood black and white cinema with Cary Grant taking on the lead role of Mortimer Brewster, a man who has to navigate between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage to his partner Elaine. If that sounds like a whirlwind of a production by synopsis alone, you'd be correct in saying so. Thankfully, we have an incredibly strong cast and after the opening night nerves subside, they excel at bringing delightfully comedic moments (especially physical), great banter back and forth, pointed commentary regarding the theatre world and its critics and an almost Benny Hill type use of the stage (there's even a few unexpected jump scares).
The leads in the production shine throughout with a few excellent scene stealers. Brian Melanson as Mortimer has brilliant facial reactions and a real knack for portraying believable manic energy. Both Ruth Flynn and Jessica Thomas-Troian as Aunt Abby and Martha respectively play out their darker deeds with such infectious sweetness, I'd eagerly take a glass of elderberry wine just because I'd feel rude not to. Tim Hevesi is a foreboding presence who immediately unnerves you as the criminally insane and family outcast Jonathan Brewster but also has a fantastic ability to use his menace for comedic purposes. Christine Marchetti is a sassy and grounded Elaine Harper, Mortimer's fiancée who finds herself the only sane character in the household. All these actors are no strangers to the stage and understand the nuances of dark comedy well.
Our scene stealers come from Jared Lenover as Teddy Brewster and Bruce Edwards as Dr. Einstein (no, not that one). Both of these actors are an absolute joy to watch from the moment they are introduced. There is an innocent enthusiasm from Lenover's Teddy who believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt and his mental health is utilized by his beloved aunties to hide any evidence of their "charitable intentions." The ongoing gag of his character would come off as tedious if it wasn't played with such endearing sincerity. Edwards plays the bumbling, drunken cowardice of Dr. Einstein with such dedication that it is easy to see why he steals every scene he is in. The line delivery and almost Muppet-like German accent are met with continuous laughter and his physical comedy skills are top notch.
The ensemble cast also delivers fine performances and overall, match the energy of the leads as they enter the Brewster madhouse. Truly, there are no small parts here as every cast member provides laughter and delight.
Arsenic and Old Lace has a well-established, classic sense of dark comedy, slapstick and charm. The script itself allows for so much physicality and ability for the cast to develop the characters into believable people rather than caricatures. It is a long show (bring cushions!) but it is well worth the time spent in the theatre and will provide audiences with plenty of laughs, intrigue and insanity. Don't miss it!
Pre-show set from DLT's Arsenic and Old Lace - Photo by: Steel City Girl Reviews
