Arsenic and Old Lace
at Jack M Barrack Hebrew Academy

Reviewed on January 28, 2018

Emma Danz
Harriton High School
Submitted for publication to Philadelphia Inquirer - 1

So, you take one teaspoon full of arsenic, then add a half teaspoon full of strychnine, and then just a pinch of cyanide. Or is it a mixture of hysterical farcical comedy, Noah Glickman's wonderful direction, and the hard work of Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy? Regardless, the result is a fantastically witty production of Arsenic and Old Lace.

Arsenic and Old Lace is an American play written in 1939 by Joseph Kesselring. It is black comedy centering around the insanely conniving, surprisingly murderous Brewster family. Kesselring's most acclaimed work, the show has seen multiple revivals, stage performances, and even a successful film adaptation.

The show centers around old spinster sisters, Martha Brewster (Gabriella Maze) and Abby Brewster (Madelyn Simon). Maze and Simon grounded the show from the beginning. Working commendably as sardonic, endearing old women with an affinity for homicide, the two were compatible scene partners. Matching and challenging each other in energy and presence, they shone as a pair and as individuals.

Noah Feinberg, as their woefully bewildered nephew Mortimer, was a force to be reckoned with as he commanded the stage from beginning to end. Incorporating well-placed moments of physical comedy with thoughtful timing and delivery, he was an essential addition to the show, guiding the audience from one crazy character to another.

Another essential element of the production was the incredible comic relief provided wonderfully by Charles Gottlieb as Teddy Brewster and Ruth Davis as Dr. Einstein. Gottlieb was a clear audience favorite, winning hearts as the lovably misguided brother who believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt. His impressive commitment to the role was obvious through inventive movement decisions.

As with any show, it is not possible without the technical elements that, in tandem with the onstage performance, build the reality of the piece. Under the direction of Noah Glickman, Barrack did just that. Both the setting and the costumes were carefully curated to satisfy the demands of the show while also enriching the scene work. Under the direction of Sophia Shapiro, most cues were executed seamlessly.

Although no one will be accepting a glass of Elderberry wine from them any time soon, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy was able to deliver a delightfully ridiculous farce with ease.

Nina Gold
Harriton High School
Submitted for publication to Philadelphia Inquirer - 2

A full teaspoon of humor, half a teaspoon of intrigue, and a pinch of zaniness is the perfect recipe not for elderberry wine, but for a darkly comedic play that keeps the audience hooked from beginning to end. Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's production of Arsenic and Old Lace was entertaining, suspenseful, and a bundle of laughs.

Set in Brooklyn, New York, the play revolves around two old ladies with a peculiar habit of murdering elderly bachelors. The plot becomes tricky when their nephew, Mortimer, discovers their secret just before his murderous brother arrives, searching for a place to dispose of his latest victim. Along with an eccentric cast of characters including a Teddy Roosevelt-impersonating maniac, a tipsy plastic surgeon, and a band of bumbling cops, Mortimer desperately tries to get rid of his brother while concealing his aunts' dark secret.

Madelyn Simon and Gabriella Maze as Abby and Martha Brewster, respectively, brought a noticeable energy to the entire play. Maze in particular embodied the spirit of a gentle old lady, and the chemistry between the two was remarkable. Noah Feinberg's portrayal of the frantic Mortimer was admirable, and his facial expressions and physicality drew laughter from the audience throughout.

The show would not have been complete without strong supporting characters, particularly Charles Gottlieb as Teddy Brewster and Ruth Davis as Dr. Einstein. Gottlieb's timing, boisterous manner, and outright ridiculousness captured the attention of the audience whenever he was onstage, and although at times were almost over-the-top, never failed to drive the energy higher. Davis as the drunken doctor stood out immediately due to her impressive German accent, and her portrayal of the cowardly, conniving sidekick was hilarious from start to finish.

The cast as a whole did commendable job of telling the story. Despite the fact that some diction was unclear and difficult to understand due to the speed at which the actors were speaking, the show was cohesive and enjoyable. The sound cues were perfectly timed, and although some of the set changes were slightly lengthy, they did not detract from the overall pacing of the play, and both actors and crew dealt with minor issues professionally and without pause.

Arsenic and Old Lace is a story full of deception, desperation, and outright comedy, and Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's production lacked none of these. From the opening scene to the final line, the hilarity and suspense kept the audience breathless and waiting for more.

Allegra Greenawalt
Harriton High School
Submitted for publication to Cougar Chronicle

What do you get when you have twelve dead bodies locked in a basement, a dangerous murderer who has undergone various plastic surgeries, and an unexpected family reunion? Why, it's Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's production of Arsenic and Old Lace!

Written in 1941 by Joseph Kesselring, this dark comedy tells the story of Mortimer Brewster, an overworked theater critic who finds himself in the middle of a massive cover up of twelve murders committed by his kooky aunts, Martha and Abby Brewster. When Mortimer's long-lost brother Jonathan returns to his childhood home, dark secrets are unveiled that set the entire house into utter chaos.

Barrack's production was filled with hysterical punch lines, precise comedic timing, and an abundance of physical humor. While the fast-paced, farcical dialogue was key to the pacing of the show, at times it caused a few issues with diction and made some lines hard to understand. Despite these minor fluctuations, the actors pushed through and delivered a great performance.

The talented cast was led by the dynamic duo of Madelyn Simon (Abby Brewster) and Gabriella Maze (Martha Brewster). Each actress gracefully assumed the persona of an old woman with ease, and their natural chemistry made them perfect partners in crime. As their exasperated nephew, Noah Feinberg brought Mortimer Brewster to life with his exaggerated facial expressions and uproarious physical comedy. His stamina was also noteworthy as he darted about the stage, wavering between his complicated love life and covering up the crimes of his murderous Aunts.

Major standouts among the supporting cast included Charles Gottlieb and Ruth Davis. Gottlieb brought a presidential energy to the performance in his portrayal of Teddy Brewster, dominating the stage with his hysterical trumpeting outbursts and authoritative marching. As the kooky Dr. Einstein, Davis stole the show with her comedic antics and consistent German accent. Both actors' stage presence went unmatched, as they were constantly engaged in every scene, even when they were not the center of attention.

The most impressive part of Barrack's performance was that the show was completely student directed. Senior Noah Glickman was at the helm of the production, and showed his skill in his ability to convey the story of the Brewster family through precise blocking and appropriate casting. While some scenes featured tricky dialogue and intricate staging requirements, Glickman conquered the challenge of directing such a complex show with ease.

With some elderberry wine, a hint of arsenic, a half teaspoon of strychnine, and just a pinch of cyanide, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's production of Arsenic and Old Lace truly knocked 'em dead!

Naomi Friedman
Germantown Academy
Submitted for publication to GPC Website Review 4

Twelve bodies in a basement, a murderer who has undergone plastic surgery (more than once), and a brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt all come together in Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's production of the black comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace.

Written by Joseph Kesselring, the play "Arsenic and Old Lace" takes place solely in the living room of the Brewster house in 1941 Brooklyn. This black comedy is the story of two sisters who poison lonely old men to put them out of their misery. After 11 killings going absolutely smoothly, their nephews, Mortimer, Jonathan and Teddy Brewster begin to get in the way just after the 12th killing. The curtain opens on a September afternoon and continues until the next morning.

Playing Martha Brewster, Gabriella Maze brought articulate speech and great energy to the convincing role of a sweet old lady. Perfectly playing off of Maze, Madelyn Simon tied the dynamic duo of the Brewster sisters in a bow. They also both carried off the old age vocalization remarkably well. As the nephew, Mortimer, Noah Feinberg had a grand stage presence and was difficult to look away from.

Charles Gottlieb gave an exceptionally hilarious performance as Teddy Brewster (also known as Teddy Roosevelt). Never creating a dull moment on stage, the comedic Gottlieb brought the energy to an all-time high. Adding even more humor to the show, Ruth Davis as Dr.Einstein gave a convincing and hilarious German accent. Davis also added some slapstick comedy as she flailed her body around the set.

As an ensemble, the cast had exceptional reactions to everything going on in each scene. The play's fine attention to detail wrapped the show in a nice package. Although it was hard to notice mistakes, it was sometimes difficult to hear the actors due to lack of mic or quick speaking. The set along with the lighting had some technical difficulties throughout the show, but the time-period-appropriate costumes and makeup served to enhance the mood.

In Arsenic and Old Lace, the comedic character dynamics, lively plot twists, and never-ending energy ensured that the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy's production was an overall success. The cast and crew really did "knock them dead."