Every family has its secrets waiting to be revealed. But the family at the center of a classic play being performed by the Theatre of Gadsden this month must set some kind of record for its particular secrets.
“Arsenic and Old Lace,” written by Joseph Kesselring, has been a black comedy staple of American theatre since it premiered on Broadway in 1941. It was later made into a beloved film starring Cary Grant.
The show, directed by Brian Jones, will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Alabama City. Tickets are available online at www.theatreofgadsden.org.
“Arsenic” is the perfect yarn for late October – the stage equivalent of both tricks and treats.
It follows a turbulent evening in the life of Mortimer Brewster, his aunts Abby and Martha, and the other assorted members of their, shall we say, unique family.
Mortimer comes face-to-face with more than just his fear of inheriting the family madness, and on the eve of his new life with his fiancée.
Jonas Abernathy plays Mortimer. It’s his fourth show with TOG, and he says he’s enjoyed the challenges of getting the timing down on this rich comedy.
“Mortimer is, at the beginning, a very fresh, clean-cut, suave kind of guy,” he said. “As soon as it hits the fan, he turns into Bugs Bunny – all over the place, trying to make sure his aunts are OK. And he has to maintain some cool. Everyone else is cool, and he’s losing his mind and actually acting insane.”
Juli Christensen plays Abby, while Denise Davis is Martha. Abby is the more dominant, more protective of the two aunts, who believe they are pillars of the community despite what Mortimer learns about their acts of “charity.”
“These are very sweet old ladies,” Davis said. “But they have this secret. They have very clear consciences. They don’t think they’ve done anything wrong. They’re a bit odd, but we are, too.”
Christensen said the play presents some challenges, with its dialogue-heavy action, calling for precise timing.
“It’s been a great experience to get to know all the talented people in this cast,” she said.
Abernathy said he watched the film, but that only partially informs his performance.
“You have to put yourself in the character’s shoes,” he said. “What would I do to save my family?”
Submitted by Haley Rodgers/Theatre of Gadsden.
