A Dark Comedy to Die For
By Shannon Cudd
“Arsenic and Old Lace” by Joseph Kesselring was written in 1939, long before the modern love of true crime stories. These days, many find it relaxing to unwind with a good murder story, making it the perfect time to resurrect this classic which puts a comedic spin on the genre. While the plot of this play is fictional, Kesselring was inspired by the true story of Amy Archer-Gilligan, a female serial killer who preyed on her husband and the residents of the nursing home she ran. Westminster Community Playhouse is up for the challenge of making the macabre funny. According to producer and board member Jonathan Strebe, the playhouse selects its season with the help of a committee. This dedicated group of people “assesses the merits of each play in all regards, from entertainment value, cultural relevance, and whether it aligns with our organization's values as a theatrical playhouse with over 75 years of tradition. ”Director and board member Greg Stokes loves the play and the 1944 Frank Capra movie starring Cary Grant that it inspired. He even saw a stage production starring Marion Ross, best known as Marion Cunningham in Happy Days, and Jean Stapleton, best known as Edith Bunker in “All in the Family.” It was his goal to direct or act in the play someday, and he was thrilled when he was selected to direct after submitting his proposal.
Stokes assembled a talented cast after two nights of auditions, which consisted of reading sides from the script. According to Strebe, the only real challenge has been juggling everyone’s schedules during the busy holiday season. This cast is fearless in their commitment to both the darker themes and the physical comedy the story demands. Stokes prioritizes creating a collaborative rehearsal process.
“We work slowly and safely with physical comedy,” he explained. “We discuss what I would like, and over time as actors get comfortable, we will try things. I also ask them what they feel comfortable with and allow them input since they are the ones having to do the physical movements.”
The play tells the story of Mortimer Brewster, who is eager to marry the minister's daughter, Elaine Harper, but is torn because of skeletons in his family’s closet- some of which are literal. His family has a history of mental illness, as seen in his two brothers: one believes he is Teddy Roosevelt, and the other likes to commit murder. Mortimer’s world is further thrown into chaos when he discovers his two sweet spinster aunts are murdering lonely old men, viewing this as a compassionate act of “putting them down gently.”
Mortimer must decide how to best take care of his family, the woman he loves, and avoid facing the wrath of his murderous brother. He also grapples with fears about passing on mental illness to future children.
Stokes believes this play will remind audiences that things are not always what they seem. “Arsenic shows that families take care of each other. We also see that family isn’t just a blood relative,” he mused. It’s important to remember that while the themes of this show are heavy, they are presented in a funny way. “Audiences are going to have a couple of hours of extreme laughter and fun,” Stokes promises. “We all need that! This cast truly delivers on this.”
His favorite moment of the show changes almost every rehearsal. Currently, he is loving the “scene between Mortimer and his fiancée Elaine. Mortimer is becoming unhinged about the chaos in the house, and Elaine just wants Mortimer to pay attention to her and verify that they will get married. Their chemistry is so exciting to watch on stage.
”He quickly clarified: “Every actor/character has so many moments of fun and laughter that I really can’t pick just one.” He is having a blast watching the characters come to life at rehearsal. He can’t wait for audiences to see the show and add their own soundtrack of glee. He trusts they will walk away with “a night of fun, laughter, and their spirits raised.”
Shannon Cudd is a writer, actor, and theater lover in Orange County, California.
“Arsenic and Old Lace”Westminster Community Playhouse7272 Maple Street, Westminster, CA
January 10 - 26, 2025
(949) 650-5269, www.wcpstage.com
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