Arsenic and Old Lace

I make it a habit of seeking out lesser publicized shows and this one was well worth it -Blake Bradfords Arsenic and Old Lace did not disappoint. This cast of quirky characters brings a fresh perspective of the classic tale of two sisters who murder lonely old men and bury them in their cellar. Most notable characters are Jonathon, Einstein & Teddy. Also Dr. Harper and Lt. Rooney surprisingly played by the same actor My favorite though was the dead-pan Mr. Witherspoon played by one John Naughton who kept me laughing til his demise in the end. The Brewster Sisters one-liners alone warrant seeing Arsenic & Old Lace now at the Chernuchin Theater.

WTF is wrong with the first review?? This production is one of the best that I have seen out of perhaps 1,200 on and off Broadway shows. The theater is not the greatest but the actors played their parts as well as I have ever witnessed. This was a wonderful experience. I noticed in particular the perrformances of Mark Levy as Officer Klein, and Elaine and Mortimer were also very professional. Please go see this before the production ends!!

And had a great time. Ive worked in the Off and Off Off community for several years and have nothing against the Chernuchian theater. Its the substance that matters, and I enjoyed this show much more than 90% of what Ive seen on Broadway this season. These actors are fresh and bring such an original take on what could be a tired classic. Major kudos to the director for keeping the pacing up, and even moreso to the actors. Everyone from the bit players to the aunts that are onstage almost the entire show give fully developed and INTERESTING takes on their characters. Better hurry though... I saw the show only runs through July 26th.

And had a great time. Ive worked in the Off and Off Off community for several years and have nothing against the Chernuchian theater. Its the substance that matters, and I enjoyed this show much more than 90% of what Ive seen on Broadway this season. These actors are fresh and bring such an original take on what could be a tired classic. Major kudos to the director for keeping the pacing up, and even moreso for the actors. Everyone from the bit players to the aunts that are onstage almost the entire show give fully developed and INTERESTING take. Get out quick and see this show as it closes next Sunday.

I had a blast watching the show tonight. Of course watching a movie at home might be more comfortable, but not nearly as enjoyable. The theater, The Chernuchian, isnt in the greatest shape, but I didnt care. As soon as the lights came down and this great American comedy started up. I was laughing from start to end. I was particularly impressed by Matt Klan as Mortimer Brewster. His physical comedy was excellent. Overall a great show.

I had a blast watching the show tonight. Of course watching a movie at home might be more comfortable, but not nearly as enjoyable. The theater, The Chernuchian, isnt in the greatest shape, but I didnt care. As soon as the lights came down and this great American comedy started up. I was laughing from start to end. I was particularly impressed by Matt Klane as Mortimer Brewster. His physical comedy was excellent. Overall a great show.

I had a blast watching the show tonight. Of course watching a movie at home might be more comfortable, but not nearly as enjoyable. The theater, The Chernuchian, isnt in the greatest shape, but I didnt care. As soon as the lights came down and this great American comedy started up. I was laughing from start to end. I was particularly impressed by Matt Klan as Mortimer Brewster. His physical comedy was excellent. Overall a great show.

I was rolling laughing from beginning to end. I didnt know what to think when I first got there since I have never been at a show at that theater but I was pleasantly surprised. Phare Play put on a great show with an outstanding cast. Even though it was set in the 1940s, the cast made it fresh and funny. "Elaine," played by Dominique Jones, was perfectly cast as the beautiful, graceful and funny fiance. "Mortimer Brewster," played by Matt Klane, had the right kind of comedic timing and charm that would make Cary Grant proud. "Jonathon," adeptly played by Peter Carlaftes gave the show a nice sinister edge without being overdone or campy. Overall, I would recommend this show to everyone. Director Blake Bradford has done a fine job in bring this classic play to New York City. I expect many of cast of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE to have a great future in theater. SIde note: It is my understanding that this is the theater that Tony Award Winning Urinetown first got its start.

I was rolling laughing from beginning to end. I didnt know what to think when I first got there never been at a show at that theater but I was pleasantly surprised. Phare Play put on a great show with an outstanding cast. Even though it was set in the 1940s, the cast made it fresh and funny. "Elaine" was perfectly cast as the beautiful, graceful and funny fiance. "Mortimer Brewster," play by Matt Klane, had the right kind of comedic timing and charm that Cary Grant would be proud of. "Jonathon," adeptly played by Peter Carlaftes gave the show a nice sinister edge without being overdone or campy. Overall, I would recommend this show to everyone. Director Blake Bradford has done a fine job in bring this classic play to New York City. I expect many of cast of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE to have a great future in theater. SIde note: It is my understanding that this is the theater that Tony Award Winning Urinetown first got its start.

This production of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE really "hit the mark" as far as I was concerned. As a theater fanatic who has seen perhaps 250-300 plays in the last 22 years here in NY. I have seen everything good, bad and ugly. I was wondering after reading the previous review if this play that I viewed at The Chernuchin was really the same Phare Play production that I read about here on TM. For one thing, this play was FUNNY...very funny, as it was designed to be. Emmy Award winning Director Blake Bradford has done an excellent job of bringing Joseph Kesselrings 65 year-old classic work to life. Jim Heaphy as "Teddy" and Mark Levy as "Officer Klein" gave especially outstanding performances and most of the other cast members also did a fine fully-professional job. Yes the theater is old, and could use some updating, no doubt. But the quality of the acting and the excellent direction more than make up for the lack of amenities in the venue. I would conservatively give this play a strong 3 1/2 star rating out of a possible 5 stars. Go see this funny play yourself and make up your own mind. You will not be disappointed.

Any production of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE would suffer by comparison with the 1941 movie starring Cary Grant as Mortimer Brewster. But, there is no excuse for the lack of professionalism in this production. None of the actors - save, perhaps for the Teddy - are able to bring off the absurd hilarity which must be present in abundance for the show to work. It was so painful to watch, we had to leave at intermission! Add to that the terrible excuse for a theater which is the Chernuchin. It is grimy, smelly, hot and uncomfortable. Save yourself the disappointment and rent the movie!