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Young actors embrace 'Old Lace'
Some classics wear better than others. Joseph Kesselring's American farce “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a play that has stood the test of time and is now reaching a new generation.
Wakefield School Theatre will present two performances of the show next week, offering theatergoers a chance to get reacquainted with the popular piece at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.
“I had forgotten how deftly Joseph Kesselring had crafted the comedic action in the show,” said Director Chris Guyotte in explaining how he selected the production. “Everyone has heard of 'Arsenic and Old Lace.' Most will tell me they saw a production many years ago. Most are surprised at how funny it is when they read the script again.”
Guyotte, who has been teaching middle and upper school theater at Wakefield for five years, said he wanted a humorous show to offer a change of pace for students, whose last play was quite serious.
“They did a great job with it, but I wanted t show the comic talent we have in our students, as well. This show also allows me to include students new to the stage and some of my veterans. It's also just a funny show,” said Guyotte.
In rehearsal since Sept. 9, the show features Gracie Morrison and Rachel Christian-Fenwick as sisters Abby and Martha Brewster, who are the sweetest little old ladies you've ever met. Well known in their Brooklyn neighborhood for philanthropy, the sisters list among their charity work putting lonely old men who come to their home looking for lodging out of their misery with their tasty ? and poisonous ? elderberry wine.
A clever combination of the farcical and the macabre, the play gets complicated as the Brewster nephews, Teddy (played by David Muss), Mortimer (played by Chris Stone), and Jonathan (played by Andrew Clubb), bring their unique personalities into the mix.
For their part, the students seem to enjoy the chance to cut loose and have fun on stage.
“I think the part of Teddy is a great part, and when I'm stressed, I get to shout and let it out,” said Muss, whose character things he is Teddy Roosevelt. “I'm one of the lead characters, and I enjoy playing the imperiousness of the role because I like being the center of attention on stage.”
Mike Byrne, who plays Dr. Einstein, said that he has enjoyed learning more about the classic play.
“When I first heard about it, I asked my dad 'what is the play about' and he said, 'it's about two old ladies who kill people.' Now that I've read it, I see that it's about so much more. I really enjoy being goofy onstage and love having water thrown on me while I get beat up by a little old lady,” Byrne said.
Rounding out the cast is Ian Fontaine as the Rev. Dr. Harper, Mr. Hoskins, and Mr. Spenalzo, Lilly Tolley as Officer Brophy, Patrick Penderville as Officer Klein, Gabby Vazzana as Elaine Harper, Thomas Hood as Mr. Gibbs, Lexie Gaines-Smith as Officer O'Hara, Anne-Marie Glen as Lt. Rooney, and Ellerie Williamson as Mr. Witherspoon.
“The audience can expect to have a great time,” said Guyotte. “This is not a heavy philosophical show, but a comic poke at critics. There are places where the audience will hurt from laughing too hard if we have done our jobs correctly.”
Tickets are $5. For more information or to buy tickets, contact Guyotte at (540) 253-7564 or via e-mail at cguyotte@wakefieldschool.org . Wakefield School Theatre has also partnered with Forlano's Market in The Plains, which will offer a discounted meal to those attending the show.
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