Not many people know that before it was turned into the popular film directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant in 1944, Arsenic and Old Lace was a play written by Joseph Kesselring in 1939.
...it has an excellent plot with incredible comic moments and truly hilarious
And now, the MADC is presenting the stage version of this fast-paced, madcap, slightly sinister comedy at the Manoel Theatre.
The plot centres round Mortimer’s (Edward Mercieca) awful realisation that his two sweet elderly aunts (Polly March and Marylu Coppini) have developed a very bad habit – poisoning old men with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine and cyanide. But the two ladies mean well; in fact they consider their actions to be mercy killings.
They then leave it to their nephew Teddy (Colin Fitz) – who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt – to take them to the Panama Canal (in reality, the cellar) and bury them.
This farcical black comedy set in the 1940s is being directed by veteran actress and director Josette Ciappara, with original music by Alex Vella Gregory.
The set is designed by Joe Galea and the rest of the strong cast includes Kate DeCesare, Colin Willis, Joe De Pasquale, Renato Dimech, Steve Hili, Martin Azzopardi, Michael Mangion, Chris Hudson and Adrian Stivala.
“Working with this potpourri of talented and experienced actors is a great experience,” says Ms Ciappara. “They would inspire any director to exploit the very best of their talents. This classic piece of work calls for the right ingredients as each character has its sweet moments.
“Arsenic and Old Lace is fast moving, it has an excellent plot with incredible comic moments and truly hilarious. So far, it has been an exciting journey with lots of laughs in between.”
Marylu Coppini says that she has been having a “comfy ride” during the rehearsal period, except for two things – the cold (rehearsals started back in February) and the perennial problem of getting into Valletta and finding a place to park in time to dash backstage, slap on the make-up and slip on the costume!
“There are also a number of challenges, of course, as there are in any part played live on stage ... But in the case of the Brewster sisters, I think our main challenge is rushing around in longish skirts carrying trays of crockery and keeping ahead of the numerous entrances that we have!” she laughs.
On the positive side, she says that being back in action at the Manoel Theatre is always fun, but especially in a play full of actors of all ages.
“A large cast always gives a production that extra buzz,” she says.“I also tend to enjoy dressing-up in clothes of another period – the sisters are a bit elderly and rather old-fashioned, so we get to wear early 20th century rather than 1940s – which somehow always helps me to get into a character part.”
The fact that Colin Fitz is taking part in this production has reawakened poignant memories:
“My father had taken part in the 1967 production of Arsenic and Old Lace at the famous St Michael’s teacher training college,” he tells me.
“He has a collection of black and white photos from the production that he proudly brought out to show me when I first started getting parts in productions at the Manoel Theatre.
“When the word went round that the MADC were going to produce it, I remembered my father’s fond memories of it and I put myself forward for auditions.”
Mr Fitz’s father had played the part of Reverend Harper, but he will be taking on the part of Teddy (who thinks he is American President Theodore Roosvelt).
“It’s a delight to play”, says Mr Fitz, “and I get to charge around on stage making a lot of noise, which is great fun!”
Kate DeCesare, who plays Mortimer’s fiancée Elaine, says that she is thoroughly enjoying playing her part.
“I enjoy being a part of MADC productions because they’re always so much fun but at the same time very professional. And it’s such a fun script, I can’t help anticipating the audience’s laughter with every rehearsal!” she says.
• Performances of Arsenic and Old Lace will take place at the Manoel Theatre on the April 20-22 and April 28, 29. Tickets may be obtained by phone on 2124 6389 or online: www.teatrumanoel.com.mt.