Arsenic and Old Lace review- Empress Theatre
Direction:
The director and costumer for this production was Carleigh-Jo Naylor and the assistant director was Sara Goldberg-McRae. Naylor made sure to assemble a production team that worked well together. She had a clear vision, and made sure to let her team know what she wanted. All parts of the show flowed together because of her clear direction. Naylor made sure to play to all comedic moments and had the audience laughing throughout the night. I especially appreciated her choice of pre-show music. Naylor's choice of costumes put you into the time period. The only choice I didn't understand was not making the aunties look older than Mortimer and Jonathan.
Performances:
Abby Brewster was played by Amy Hallett and Martha Brewster was played by Kajsa Nelson. Being one that saw Hallett play in a show last season I was delighted by her accent she chose for her character. Nelson made strong character choices, which helped build the chemistry between the two sisters. Both of their comedic timing was incredible. Every time they talked about people dying was incredibly funny.
Mortimer Brewster was played by Marc Reading. Being one that has seen Reading in multiple productions, I was excited to see him back at the Empress. His character was strong and well developed throughout the whole entire performance. He came out like a cars salesman- fast talking. His cluelessness he portrayed and his physicality helped add to the comedy of the show. Reading was easily my favorite performance of the night.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Elaine Harper was played by Rachel Felt. I loved her accent. From the moment she stepped on stage she had a strong character. Felt portrayed a bold innocent girl, that just wanted to get some action. Her chemistry with Reading was fun to see. Her whole performance was a delight to watch.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Teddy Brewster was played by J.D Robison. No one would know that he was new to acting because he absolutely crushed this roll. His background movements added to the show and were hilarious. His "tisks" he made were funny to listen to. He brought so much energy every time he was on the stage.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Jonathan Brewster was played by Mike Brown. From the moment he stepped on the stage he had a strong character. You could immediately feel the creepiness and the scariness that he put onto the stage. Because of his choices the other actors on the stage were able to make strong choices that helped make his character more intense.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Dr. Einstein was played by Flynn Beckman. His accent was strong though most of the show. Flynn portrayed Einstein as a lovable and unsure sidekick. All of this helped him create a strong character that was a delight to watch on stage.
(Photo credit: Sunshine Studios Photography)
Design:
The set was designed by James Naylor and constructed by Naylor, Mac McRae, and Scout Naylor. When you walk in you feel that you are at the Brewster house. All of the choices looked like something you would find in an old lady's house. I especially appreciated the choice of the wooden banister and the wood panels on the wall. This set is definitely one of my top favorites that I have seen here at the Empress.
Props were done by Kristina Madriaga-Stone. They made sure that the props looked good together and fit within the time period. The props for the toy drive looked great and appropriate for the show. My favorite prop of the night was Mr. Hoskins. (I recognized him.)
In Loving Memory:
This production of Arsenic and Old Lace is dedicated to the incredible Perry Whitehair
February 16, 1955 – August 22, 2023.
Here is what the theater wrote about Perry:
Perry considered himself to be a theatrical roustabout. He did just about everything in the theater that a person could do – from box office to on stage. He discovered his love of theater in high school, like so many of us did. One of his first roles in theater was in “Arsenic and Old Lace.” In Junior College and College he worked both onstage, behind the scenes inset design/construction, and front of house.
Perry got involved at the Empress in 2011, performing in “Oklahoma.” After that he performed in “Scrooge”, “And Then There Were None”, “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, “Into The Woods”, “9 To 5”, “Hello Dolly”, “Annie Get Your Gun”, Thoroughly Modern Mille”, “Noises Off” and “Catch Me If You Can”. He also performed in Draper Arts Council’s “Scarlet Pimpernel” and Utah Reparatory Theater’s “Bonnie and Clyde” as well as building their set for “August Osage County”. His favorite roles were Selsden (Noises Off), Rudy (Hello Dolly), Mortimer (Arsenic), and Corky Oberlander (Texas Trilogy).
Perry was also a member of the Empress Board of Directors from 2016 to 2020 when hiscancer (and Covid) made focusing on his health a priority.
I got to work with Perry multiple time throughout the years. (My first show at the theatre in 2010 had his son in it.) Him and his wife Cindy were a staple at the theater. He was always kind and worked hard. I made sure to sit in his seat with his name on it for this performance.
Final Impressions:
Being one where the Empress is just around the corner from my house, the Empress is one of my favorite places to go see a show. This show was strong and brought back many wonderful memories that I've had at this theatre. This show isn't one to miss. I STRONGLY suggest that you go get tickets to this show. Maybe one of these days I'll meet you at the Empress!
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