By J.E. Ballantyne Jr.
Introducing a younger generation to classic American theater can be very rewarding on many fronts.
The actors have the opportunity to learn not only about theater, but also get a chance to take part in an unforgettable stage production. For the audience, it is the opportunity to relive a great play from the past that has been bypassed in favor of more contemporary fare.
Both things happened Friday night as Youngstown State University opened its 2025-26 theater season with Joseph Kesselring’s classic comedy, “Arsenic and Old Lace.”
Probably most well remembered for the 1944 film starring Cary Grant, Kesselring took a dramatic subject like murder and turned into three acts of riotous mayhem.
The Brewster sisters live what seems to be a quiet existence except for their slightly eccentric nephew, Teddy, and his more normal brother, Mortimer – and a family secret buried within their home: dispatching lonely old men with no families with the sisters’ homemade elderberry wine.
This is a great cast put together by director Todd Dicken.
It’s led by Natalie Ciccone and Adriana Rosario, who play the sweet little old ladies, Abby and Martha. Ciccone as Abby is the epitome of someone’s typical sweet little grandmother complete with the elderly posture, walk and mannerisms. Ciccone sells this role from curtain up to curtain down with nary any misses in between. Her ease in delivering this character makes her a winner with the audience from the beginning.
Complementing her is Adriana Rosario’s portrayal of her sister, Martha. Rosario isn’t quite as convincing in the age category, but she makes up for that with her acting by creating a character that blends well with that of Abby. Rosario’s Martha comes across as more of the follower to Abby’s unorthodox escapades rather than the leader. But both actresses are the core of this production and expertly lay the groundwork for all of the humor that follows. They work so well off of each other that the entire premise of this black comedy seems reasonable.
Also inhabiting the house with the Brewster sisters is their nephew Mortimer, who leads a normal existence as a play critic until he learns of his aunts’ unusual side venture. Noah Dudai plays Mortimer with the energy of a moth buzzing around a light bulb. Dudai is constantly on the go from the time he first lifts the top of the window seat, right to the final curtain. His reactions early on when he discovers what his aunts are up to are genuine and comedic. His comedy timing and facial mugging are both well placed and add to the already hilarious goings on. In fact, he could have gotten away with even more mugging in this role – the opportunities are all there and it’s a role written for some over-the-top reactions. He structured his character development well with the various situations with which Mortimer must deal. The sisters’ nonchalance about what they have done coupled with the shock and abhorrence of Mortimer make for great laughs.
Mortimer’s brother, Teddy, also resides in the house and is as crazy in his own way as the two sweet sisters. You see, Teddy believes that he is President Theodore Roosevelt, complete with bugle and running up the stairs crying out “charge” as in Roosevelt’s charge up San Juan Hill in 1898. Anthony Mudryk gives a solid performance as Teddy. He plays the character’s off the wall extremes with flair and enthusiasm. His portrayal makes the audience believe that Teddy believes he is truly Roosevelt.
On the darker side of the family, Mortimer’s long lost brother Jonathan, makes a return appearance to the Brewster homestead. He has also dispatched a few people in his time but for far more nefarious reasons than Abby or Martha. Lincoln Hall does a great turn in the role of Jonathan. A character of very sinister nature, Hall seems to love the only real villain in the piece. He sinks his teeth into the depraved nature of Jonathan and makes him a total contrast to the rest of the Brewster clan. Playing a “heavy” is always great fun and Hall takes full advantage of the opportunity.
Crystal Fisher fills the role of Dr. Einstein, Jonathan’s partner in crime. Einstein is the meek and somewhat squeamish counterpart to Jonathan’s madness. Fisher does well with the role. Normally, I am against female actors playing men’s roles, but in this case it worked. Fisher was right on with the role, even seemingly patterning some of the character from Peter Lorre in the film. Her high pitched voice added to the comedy of the character although, at times, it made it difficult to make out some of her lines.
Samantha Cox fills out the main cast as Mortimer’s fiance, Elaine Harper. Cox is always a reliable part of a YSU cast and she doesn’t disappoint here. Not so much a comedy character as others in the cast, Elaine is more the voice of reason to an extent. Cox handles the role well and is ready for the comedic lines when they come her way. Much of the time it’s her face that communicates the character more than any lines and Cox doesn’t miss a beat on that count.
Others in the cast who offer up good performances are Benjamin Podnar as Dr. Harper, Ilse Zylstra as Officer Brophy, Eric Ballard as Officer Klein, Chloe Camacho as Lieutenant Rooney, Lex McCaughtry as Witherspoon, and a special cameo performance by YSU President Bill Johnson as Mr. Gibbs. Johnson does a great job with the small role and milks every second of his time on stage.
One other role that was well done was uncredited in the program. Officer O’Hara is expertly played by Nicholas Figiel. His enthusiasm and commitment to the role were both obvious. He has quite a bit of stage time and makes the most of it.
Todd Dicken has put together a winner at YSU. The direction of his actors was meticulous and his set design should garner applause when the curtain goes up
– one of the best sets I have seen in a YSU production. Costumes by Katherine Garlick were perfect, as usual, and designed with detail in mind. Lighting design by Jonathan Zelezniak added atmosphere and warmth.
If you haven’t seen this play in a long time you owe it to yourself to get up to YSU during the run and catch a performance. It is a laugher that you will enjoy from beginning to end.
“Arsenic and Old Lace” will continue Oct. 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m., and
Oct. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m.
Pictured at top: Appearing in a scene from YSU Theatre’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” are Adriana Rosario, Natalie Ciccone, YSU President Bill Johnson and Noah Dudai.