Arsenic & Old Lace At Sydenham HS

Wilma Kenny | May 24, 2012

Photo: The cast of the student production of Arsenic and Old Lace.

As a play, Arsenic and Old Lace has it all: romance, murder, madness, comedy, deep family secrets, and a large cast. I went to Sydenham High School’s production twice (where else can you enjoy an evening of live theatre for less than $10?). The first night was well done, but there were some rough spots. However, by Friday night the cast had fine-tuned their performances and the result was a real treat.

Directors Rutherford and Lalonde worked with an even larger cast by doubling four of the main roles, so that the onstage players varied with every performance. “It allows us to include more students, and it’s more challenging for the actors, not always playing to the same people,” explained Rutherford. 

The action and intrigue of the play centers around five wildly eccentric characters, and all were well acted. Jesse Bell plays brother Teddy, who is convinced he is Teddy Roosevelt. His delightful bit of business with toy soldiers was different in each of the performances, and stole the show both times. Bryar Vuik as Jonathan projected an air of terrifying menace, managing to never lose his focus in spite of the wildly funny performance of Jacob Sharpe as his sidekick, Dr Einstein. Lacy Evans, Daphne Kennedy, Richelle Gallant and Kricket Gow take turns playing the two lovable but dangerously delusional elderly Brewster sisters who are certain their poisoned wine is a fit antidote for loneliness.

In contrast, the young lovers and the supporting roles of police, minister, etc have to be played more realistically, and are in some ways even more challenging for the actors. All do well: drama is definitely alive and well at SHS.