ARSENIC & OLD LACE Event Review! Taproot Theatre 1/25/19
Arsenic & Old Lace
by
Joseph Kesselring
Taproot Theatre
Seattle, WA
1/25/19
Kim Morris, Richard Nguyen Sloniker and Pam Nolte in Arsenic and Old Laceat Taproot Theatre. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.
Greetings,
The 2019 Jewell Mainstage Season at the Taproot Theatre opened up with a perennial favorite, "Arsenic & Old Lace" by Joseph Kesselring. Directed by Marianne Savell the show is a whimsical take on the family unit (a recurring theme throughout this season's shows), with plenty of comedy to add to the zaniness.
Every family has at least one member (maybe several) that march to the beat of their own drum. With the family of Brewsters - sisters Abby (Kim Morris) and Martha (Pam Nolte) live together in their old home in Brooklyn, NY. Teddy lives there as well (Stephen Grenley) who believes he is the president of the United States Theodore Roosevelt.
Kim Morris, Stephen Grenley and David Drummond in Arsenic and Old Lace at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.
Mortimer Brewster (Richard Nguyen Sloniker) and is fiancée' Elaine Harper (Elizabeth Keck) enter the picture and things begin to unravel within the family. Others would call them skeletons in the closet - or by the window sill - in this case.
The other Brewster, Jonathan, who has been living elsewhere in the world (with a dubious past), is basically ostracized from his family. Without giving too much of the plot away, other than Mortimer, the other Brewster's all have criminal pasts and presents.
Richard Nguyen Sloniker and David Drummond in Arsenic and Old Lace at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.
"Arsenic & Old Lace" really layers on the comedy to a boiling point that is down right hysterical. I found myself laughing as a few of the characters reminded me of members of my own family (in a legal way of course).
Kim Morris and Pam Nolte show their veteran acting skills as both were perfectly cast in their respective roles. Richard Nguyen Sloniker was the centerpiece of the ensemble. His comedic timing and delivery could not have been better.
David Drummond, Kim Morris and Pam Nolte in Arsenic and Old Lace at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.
David Drummond as Jonathan also shined as a veteran of the stage. His presence and facial expressions only added to his portrayal of the no good Jonathan Brewster.
The entire cast, some of whom I recognized from other Taproot Theatre productions, were stellar as expected.
Richard Nguyen Sloniker and Kim Morris in Arsenic and Old Lace at Taproot Theatre. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.
I must mention the stage design with its impressive staircase and multi-levels really stood out. I noticed it right away and was most impressed.
Taproot Theatre is off to a grand start for the 2019 season with "Arsenic & Old Lace". Elderberry wine anyone?
Until next time - see you at the theatre!
Cheers!
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts
EA on FB
Eclectic Arts
Special Thanks: Isaiah for the credentials - thank you so much for the opportunity!
"Arsenic & Old Lace" runs through March 2nd!
Special Thanks: Isaiah for the credentials - thank you so much for the opportunity!
"Arsenic & Old Lace" runs through March 2nd!
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