A Comic Masterpiece

Arsenic and Old Lace – Court Theatre

Spinster Aunts Abby and Martha Brewster seem like the kind of neighbors anyone would be delighted to have in their neighborhood. These two sweet, generous, little old ladies would offer the roof over their heads to any poor soul who was alone in the world…plus a glass of homemade elderberry wine to toast their occasion. Of course, the wine is laced with arsenic, strychnine and just a pinch of cyanide, for good measure, but the recipe never comes up during the celebration.

Young Mortimer Brewster lives with his two aunts in a charming Victorian home in Brooklyn. He’s a successful newspaper drama critic and engaged to pretty Elaine Harper, the spirited daughter of the minister, who lives next door, just on the other side of the cemetery. Also sharing the house with his Aunts is Mortimer’s barmy brother, Teddy, who believes he’s Theodore Roosevelt, and who loves blasting his bugle before charging up the stairs. All seems to be somewhat idyllic, until Mortimer discovers a dead body in the window seat of the living room and, to his horror, learns his Aunts’ secret hobby. Then Jonathan Brewster, Mortimer’s sadistic older brother, shows up after many years. He’s brought along his companion, Dr. Einstein, a plastic surgeon who has changed Jonathan’s face to look like Boris Karloff. And that’s when the mayhem really begins.

Joseph Kesselring had written several plays during the 1930’s, but this farcical black comedy became his masterpiece. “Arsenic and Old Lace” opened on Broadway in 1941 and ran for 1,444 performances. Three years later Frank Capra directed a very popular film version that starred Cary Grant. Today, Kesselring’s comic masterpiece is a classic, often produced by schools, community theaters and is still a go-to dark comedy for professional venues.

This wondeful production that kicks off the Court Theatre’s 2022/23 season is faithful to the original. It’s directed by one of Chicago’s masters, Ron OJ Parson, and features a very talented, ethnically diverse cast. The production takes a little while to get to the zaniness that we expect. That’s because the playwright has a lot of exposition to lay out before we can fully appreciate the comic chaos and confusion that’s to come. But once the farce is unleashed, there’s no reining it in.

Two exquisite actresses rule this production as the ladies of the Brewster house and the purveyors of the laced elderberry beverage. TayLar is simply charming and delightful as Aunt Abby, while Celeste Williams is sweet but commanding as Aunt Martha. Together these two seasoned professionals work their magic and steer the wheel of this comedy car. Eric Gerard is marvelously manic as Mortimer, the play’s young, innocent protagonist who, at one point, literally flies through the air in order to hide the evidence and protect those he loves from menace. One of Chicago’s hardest-working actors, the wonderful A.C. Smith, is frighteningly good as Jonathan Brewster; and his poor, put-upon accomplice, Dr. Einstein is played with energy and patience by another familiar Chicago face, Guy Van Swearingen. Allen D. Edge is very funny and quite believable as Teddy. Lovely Emma Jo Boyden holds her own in this crazy comedy as Elaine Harper and talented Thomas J. Cox skillfully plays three different roles, as Rev. Harper, Officer O’Hara and Mr. Witherspoon.

The real star of this production, however, is John Culbert’s unbelievably authentic-looking Victorian house. His scenic design is glorious and, had there been an act curtain, would certainly have received thunderous applause upon the reveal. It looks like the walls, stairways, window seat and framing are all actual polished oak. The furnishings are period perfect, too, from a sofa, to a lovely floor lamp to a clawfoot dining table. Rachel Anne Healy has designed a stunning wardrobe of Wartime-era costumes that fit beautifully and look sumptuous.

This insanely funny comedy is a treasure trove of fun. Anyone unfamiliar with Joseph Kesselring’s comedy classic will enjoy its black comedy, its broad characters and the farcical style of its presentation. Ron OJ Parsons has crafted a production that mines every comic bit and all the bizarre plot elements to perfection. He really rewards audiences with a joyous evening of tricks and treats, and all just in time for Halloween.          

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 2-October 2 by the Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre box office, by calling 773-753-4472 or by going to www.CourtTheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.