Arsenic and Old Lace--xi.

First intermission...

I went to the theatre last night to watch the preview of Arsenic and Old Lace. I like going to previews because it is a way for me to see a performance for free, offer the actors a chance to test out their work one last time before they show it to a "real" audience, and I get enjoy the show in a way that is more relaxed than usual. I also enjoy seeing previews of shows that I worked on, since it gives me an opportunity to take photos of the shows that I have worked on in a rehearsal that is more like a performance than a rehearsal. Last night, however, I had the unfortunate chance to be sitting in front of a few young women that could not shut-up, cackled before every punch line, talked during the quiet moments, and just completely disrespected what the whole experience represents (at least to me). It is not just an opportunity for people to go see free theatre...it is an opportunity for the director, actors, and stage crew to familiarize themselves with a real run of the production.

Even though I didn't enjoy my usual quiet theatrical preview, that doesn't mean that the performance wasn't enjoyable. They started off a little rocky, pushing lines, and over-dramatizing actions. As the play went on I felt as though they slid into their characters, and I too became acquainted with their characters eccentricities so much so that I wonder if they started off rocky or if I just didn't give them a chance to develop their characters...Perhaps a little of both. I believe I was also quite distracted by the gobs of make-up they happened to be wearing, the bright focus of light on the central scenic element (the couch), and the fact that the doctor was paler than my grandma may she rest in peace.


Dr. Einstein, Jonathan, Martha, and Abby Brewster...

All in all I would give the acting award of the night to Doctor Einstein (Steve Brady) who kept his character light, playful, and true from entrance to the stage to final bow. Mortimer Brewster (David Mason) also presented a delightful performance, as loving, caring, and utterly shocked nephew and loving fiance to Elaine (Sandra Blaney). On a bit of a lower note Van Farrier (Teddy) never quite found his character. He couldn't display any sense of the deep character that is Teddy and represents the utter reality of the Brewster name. I hope he can pull it together for the opening night.

Beyond that, a few minor technical difficulties to be corrected before opening, like Carol Lambert's (Martha Brewster) skirt coming off every 15 minutes, the dead body in the window seat lost its head, and although it mattered to me...the front door wouldn't stay shut...(it matters to me because I built it and thought it was fixed). Over all a great show, and by mid-run this show will be one of the best during the summer.