Arsenic and Old Lace

Arsenic and Old Lace
by Joseph Kesselring

Hale Center Theatre Orem | August 16 – September 21, 2024

[…] there is something about HCTO’s production that feels distinctly Haunted Mansion-adjacent. If you know the history of the Mansion, Disney’s Imagineers differed on whether to turn the ride into something sincerely scary or more on the silly side of spooks. The result is a beloved ride that doesn’t really make sense, but no one really cares because it’s a good time. Arsenic and Old Lace is cut from the same cloth. At times farcical, at times macabre, and only occasionally serious, Arsenic and Old Lace is a strong production and a delightful way to usher in the Halloween season to come.

Utah Theatre Bloggers Association

Something brewing with the Brewsters. Mortimer Brewster’s plans for a happy marriage are derailed when he finds a corpse in his aunts’ home. Unbeknownst to him, the seemingly gentle elderly ladies are hiding a dark secret, setting off a chain of events involving poison, a disturbed brother, and a frantic scramble to save his wedding from madness.

ABBY BREWSTER | Jayne Luke, Mary Jane Smith
MARTHA BREWSTER | Melany Wilkins, April Fossen
MORTIMER BREWSTER | Jon Liddiard, Jordan Nicholes
ELAINE HARPER | Brianna Meikle, Rylee Harris
TEDDY BREWSTER | Josh Needles, Charlie Flint
JONATHAN BREWSTER | Matt Kohler, James Duncan
DR. EINSTEIN | Jonathan McBride, Bradley Moss
OFFICER O’HARA | BJ Oldroyd, Doug Kaufman
OFFICER BROPHY | Dylan Burningham, Isaac Moss
OFFICER KLEIN | Hilary Straga, Anya Young Wilson
MR. GIBBS / MR. WITHERSPOON | Joel Applegate, Randy Honaker
REV. DR. HARPER / LT. ROONEY | Richie Trimble, Michael Smith

When thinking about any show at this theatre this year, it’s hard not to see everything in the context of these being the last shows in this historic space. While I’ve been lucky enough to direct and act here in the past few years, most of my time with this theatre has been in the seats, watching magic be created. Since I started attending in 2005, it’s been one of my favorite places to see theatre because the intimacy of the space makes you feel part of the action while the unique limitations of the space call on creativity from every member of the team. Directors like Dave Tinney, the late Chris Clark, Jenny Barlow, and David Morgan have inspired me with their creativity and their ability to make this tiny stage hold giant worlds.

I’ve seen a boy who would never grow up fly through the air, I’ve seen dishes and cutlery come to life and fill the stage with dancing, I’ve seen the Paris Uprising of 1832, ancient Egypt, and a hidden attic in 1944 Amsterdam. I have seen Broadway royalty Audra McDonald and Will Swenson, and I’ve seen top-notch local talent like Adrien Swenson, Dallyn Vail Bayles, Chase Ramsey, and so many more.

I’ve also seen two murderous old ladies and their nephew who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt.

My first time seeing Arsenic and Old Lace was sitting in the same seats you are now. I was on the East side, in row 2 or 3 towards the lobby. In fact, I was watching some of the same actors: Jayne Luke and Jon Liddiard were in that 2012 cast and they are back for this one twelve years later. I loved the mix of comedy and suspense, the instantly memorable characters, and the delightful chaos of a “normal” person trying to deal with their decidedly not-“normal” family. I was thrilled when I was given the chance to direct this show in this final season on this stage I love so much.

In 2012, when I first saw Arsenic and Old Lace, we were celebrating new seats in the theatre and this year we’re also celebrating new seats — they just happen to be in a new theatre. I distinctly remember those new seats and how comfortable they were. Every seat here is special: from the director’s chair to 3 East C & D. We’re all sitting together in this theatre that is run with passion and love, and while the location may change, I look forward to us all sitting together next year at The Ruth.