Applause From The Wings

By Marge, Moe & Geri

Arsenic and Old Lace

This delightful comedy opened the 20th season at Theatre Works in Woonsocket. They've put together a collection of old favorites to celebrate their anniversary, and this enjoyable production is everyone's favorite.

Paul Adam's crisp direction kept the plot moving along at a smooth clip on a beautiful set of his design and the construction of the talented Mark Anderson. Sharon Charette's costumes were lovely adding to the strong characterization of a very talented group of actors.

Connie Anderson and Lisa Forsgard were the perfectly dotty old aunts worrying about the lonely gentlemen boarders. Mark Anderson was marvelous as Teddy. His staircase charges were just amazing to those of us who find climbing stairs a breathtaking experience.
The menacing brother Jonathan was very cleverly played by Greg Bonin is take up that made him look just like Boris Karloff. And Chris Kibbe as his sidekick, Einstein was the perfect foil. Brian Lemieux had the frantic frustration of Mortimer's concern for his family captured exactly. While Rebekah Blanchette was perfect as Mortimer's sweet and puzzled girl friend.

An extremely capable ensemble filled out this cast including Bert Cayer Jr. in twin roles of Dr. Harper and Lt. Rooney, Matt King as Mr. Brophy, Ian Kibbe as Mr. Klein, Andrew Leclerc also in a dual role as Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Witherspoon. Maurice Cournoyer played the irrepressible Officer O'Hara.

This was a great season opener. The next production coming in November is Annie directed by Mark Anderson. Believe me it's well worth the trip to Woonsocket to see this very experienced and capable troop at work. Check it out.