The hysterical classic "Arsenic & Old Lace" opened at the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre to a very appreciative audience. It is the humorous play that promotes drinking poisonous elderberry wine as a lethal health hazard.
The play centers around the elder Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, who put lonely men at rest permanently with their fatal wine . These two are enjoyably portrayed by Karen Pappas as Abby and Gerri Weagraff as Martha. The sisters have three distinctive nephews. One, Mortimer,
is a theater critic endearingly played by David Schmittou, who comes through with flying colors in one of the most difficult comic leading man roles.
Another is Jonathon grimacingly played by Jeff Stockberger who is at the height of his evilness in the menacing , maniacal Boris Karloff role. His side kick is Eddie Curry as the incompetent Dr. Einstein. Curry is in top form playing one of his favorite comical roles. There is not a bit of Peter Lorre in his character.
Teddy is the third nephew. Douglas E. Stark is wonderful as this deranged luna tickle nephew who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt with all his famous retorts. This very talented cast is full of splendid people. Lisa Ermel plays Elaine and makes more of her part than just another love interest. Darren Murrell and Josh Stark impress as the two law enforcement officers. So did Jim Habeggar and Adam O. Crowe doubling in two lesser roles.
I must mention the banter between Jeff Stockberger and the two old ladies as to who killed the most. It was delicious. When it was declared a tie at twelve Eddy Curry concluded the Brewster sisters were just as good as Jonathon.
This tremendously entertaining play was written was written by Joseph Kesselring who has authored some other plays but none hit the jackpot like "Arsenic & Old Lace" which was based upon a very unusual true story. Congratulations to B&B for putting on such a marvelous classic.
