Arsenic & Old Lace Play Review

By: Sammie Vasquez

Through the hustle and bustle of midterms, a breath of fresh air can be found in Wilbur Wright’s riveting and hilarious production of Arsenic & Old Lace.

Running through March 15th, the play, which opened on March 12th, has already captivated audiences with a bounty of laughter. This story is an enthralling classic that takes place in the 1940s, specifically the World War II era, in Brooklyn, New York.

The play is a dark comedy and does an excellent job of referencing the horrors during the time, also adding a light sense of humor. 

Directed by Kristen Williams, the audience can feel the physical humour elements brought in from old comedies that she loved. 

The play is centered around two aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster (Joselyn Rodrigues and Alany Barrera), and their nephews, Teddy (Jaime Cianca), Mortimer (Matthew “Gibby” Gibson-Pometta), and Jonathan Brewster (Nolan Crimmins).

The entire production takes place within the aunts’ home.. The hard work of Wright’s students can be clearly seen through the design of the set. It’s clear the stairs, front door, cellar door, kitchen door, and the window seat were all beautifully constructed, sucking the audience into the world of the Brewsters.

Jonathan Brewster (Nolan Crimmins) torturing Mortimer Brewster (Matthew "Gibby" Gibson-Pometta) as Dr. Einstein (Mads Pouska) watches. Photo Credits: Patrick Ham.

The outlandish tale of a house full of crazy Brewsters, some serial killers, others believing they are the President of the United States, and the rest hating the theatre.

There is a great commitment to irony throughout the play, especially when it comes to the theatre critic, Mortimer Brewster, played by Gibby.

Gibby’s performance as Mortimer Brewster was outstanding. He discovered the truth of what goes on in his aunt’s house and has to come to terms with his entire family’s insanity. All while trying to keep his relationship with Elaine Harper (Emily Ortiz) and being forced to watch a play to review.

The irony of watching a play in which one of the characters hates the theatre in itself is hilarious. This comedic bit really comes to a head in the final act when he retells a story of a play that he sees while doing exactly what he’s describing.

Mads Pouska’s performance as Dr. Einstein is of great delight to audiences, their German accent is done very well. Addition, to their overall incredible nature of the performance, which was cause for many laughs. 

So if you need a break from midterms to experience a bit of joy and whimsy, catch the final shows at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14th, or Saturday, March 15th, for $5, in cash, for students and staff, or $10, in cash, for anyone else.