“ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 205, 27 May 1944, Page 9

“ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”

' Much interest is being taken by playgoers in the approaching season ot J. C. Williamson’s all-star comedy company, which begins at tiie Opera House on Saturday June 10. when Joseph Kesselrings successful comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace will be staged for the first time. ’lhe setting of ‘Arsenic and Old Lace,’ ’ wrote a critic* recently, “lias every suggestion ot lavender and old lace —the home in a quiet part of Brooklyn of two dear old ladies devoting themselves to acts ot charity. With startling suddenness tiie revelation is made that tiie ladies have poisoning proclivities exercised in relation to lonely old men. Tiie comedy proceeds merrily from one amazing situation to another, leaving the audience guessing at the outcome -of it all, and for a time the situation is intense as Brewster, nephew of the old ladies and escapee from an asylum. proceeds to wreak, vengeance on his brother." Lloyd Lambic’s characterization of the part of Jonathan Brewster is said to be outstanding. As the two old ladles. Ethel Gabriel and Lily Moore are excellent, giving faithful portrayals of the parts of Aunts Abby and Martha. John Tate takes the part of Teddy Brewster, who, being tainted with the family failing, thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt, the sporting President ot’ the United States. Miss Betina Welch, Frank Bradley, Sam Stern, Allan Christie, Alan Rankin, John Gray. Stephen Chapman and Leslie King are others In the cast.