Name your poison
BCT delivers a classic
by Christopher Key
There are a few shows in the community theatre canon that never seem to grow stale no matter how many times you’ve seen them. Arsenic and Old Lace is one of the most frequently produced shows of all time and audiences never seem to get enough of it. The Bellingham Theatre Guild, for instance, has produced it no less that nine times and I had the pleasure of performing in the latest version a few years ago. And it is a pleasure, just as much for the actors as for the audience.
Blaine Community Theater is tackling the old chestnut for the first time and gives it a thoroughly delightful ride. Much of that is due to theatrical Renaissance Man and director Nick McDonald. I use the term Renaissance Man advisedly because he seems to be the entire technical and stage crew along with his directorial responsibilities.
He’s had his hands full with some cast challenges. One of the roles was performed for the first time at tonight’s preview and another had just one week to rehearse because of prior commitments. That’s what makes live theatre such a rush, but it can make directors old before their time. McDonald handles it with his usual aplomb.
Since you already know the story, I’ll use the space to hand out some props to a very talented cast. Christopher Cox delivers a manic portrayal of Mortimer, the Brewster brother who is relatively sane. Compared, that is, with the certifiable loonies in the rest of his family. Cox is strong enough to hold the show together when some of the less-rehearsed actors stumble. That is very high praise in my book.
Aunties Abby and Martha prepare a surprise for one of their gentleman callers in the Blaine Community Theater production of Arsenic and Old Lace. Photo credit - Christopher Key
The two homicidal aunties are perfectly portrayed by Julia Teichert and Linda Telfer. Both of these actors are not only gifted, but are matriarchs of enormously talented theatrical clans. Telfer’s son, Rossner Randolph, got handed his part as Officer Brophy a week ago after appearing in the Skagit River Shakespeare Festival this summer. I’ve had the pleasure of directing and acting with him before and he’s one of the gifted young actors that keep the old guys from becoming too complacent. Telfer’s hubby Jim Beckwith has become a favorite at the Bellingham Theatre Guild and his role as evil brother Jonathan gives him a chance to exercise his darker side. He does so convincingly.
Rachel Anderson delighted audiences in the recent BTG production of Guys and Dolls and gets a lot more stage time in this show. That’s a very good thing as she vamps her way through the role of Elaine with charming stage presence and a wonderfully expressive face. There is not much I can say about Leon Charbonneau that I haven’t said before and he shows his astonishing versatility as both the stuffy Reverend Doctor Harper and the somewhat squeamish Dr. Einstein.
This is a family show on several levels. It’s about the Brewsters, who accept their inherent insanity as a matter of course. Ed Marantette and his wife Julie Zavala-Marantette are another theatrical family who have become local favorites, both for their technical and their acting skills. Ed plays Teddy Brewster, who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, with his trademark goofiness. Wife Julie delivers a very strong performance as police Lieutenant Rooney. As Officer O’Hara, Daniel Anderson is a modern-day Keystone Cop who can barely find his nightstick. BCT stalwart Don Starr performed the roles of Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Witherspoon for the first time at tonight’s preview and did a rather amazing job of jumping in at the last minute.
Those cast challenges will be smoothed out by the time the show opens because this is live theatre and magic happens. Arsenic and Old Lace performs at the wonderful Blaine Performing Arts Center August 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., August 22 and 29 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students. Call (360) 224-1223 for reservations and information.
The Brewsters put the fun in dysfunctional.
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