Village Player's - Arsenic and Old Lace
review by Ed Vincent

Village Players is looking wonderful and headed in the right
direction these days thanks to a great staff under the new
artistic director and director of this current play, Ms. Diane
Fisher Post.  "Arsenic and Old Lace", is a fun drama  with
some excellent performances by the host of actors.

Mortimer Brewster , played by Tony Czyzyk does a magnificent
job with great timing and artistic animations.  The two Brewster
sisters Abby Brewster, played by Donna Black and Martha
Brewster, played by Betty Scott Smith are sweet and devious in
their demented mission.  The other disturbed Brewster,
living the life of our beloved President Theodore Roosevelt,
Teddy Brewster played by  Carl Occhipinti succeeds in loud
pronouncements, running, and other presidential duties with
firm and vigor.

Jonathan Brewster, played by  Joseph H. Tokarz and  Dr. Einstein,
brought to life by  Steven Joyce are spell binding in their evil and
tormented roles.  The show is a treat for Oak Park.

Rev. Dr. Harper      Gary Vavrinek

Teddy Brewster      Carl Occhipinti

Abby Brewster        Donna Black

Officer Brophy        Justin Marchert

Officer Klien           Salvatore Covello

Martha Brewster      Betty Scott Smith

Elaine Harper          Melissa Laramy

Mortimer Brewster  Tony Czyzyk

Mr. Gibbs               Moses Kutz

Jonathan Brewster   Joseph H. Tokarz

Dr. Einstein            Steven Joyce

Officer 0'Hara         Joe Lutz

Lieutenant Rooney  Fred Schutz

Mr. Witherspoon     Geoff Pelzek

Stage Manager     Aubrey Tokarz

Set Designers       Joseph H. Tokarz
                             Diane Fisher Post

Costume Designers   Jesus Perez
                               Suzanne Mann

Lighting Designer   Brian Archer
Sound Designer      Diane Fisher Post

Master Carpenter   Joseph H.Tokarz

Set Builder              Steven Joyce

Light Board Operator &
Props Designer/Master     Aubrey Tokarz

Sound Board Operator &
 ASH                               Carrie Hunter

Dramaturg                      Bob Kosson

Arsenic & Old Lace is the story of two adorable little
old ladies who decide to populate their cellar with
lonely gentleman as one of their "charities.' Between
their 3 Nephews you'll meet, one thinks he's Teddy
Roosevelt, another is the dashing young Mortimer
(a theatre critic in love) and the "other brother'
happens to be a sinister villain that shows up
unexpectedly (with a surprise guest in tow). When
Mortimer finds out about the many surprise guests
residing in the Brewster house, his frantic struggle
to stay in control while devising a solution to all
the madness is met with complete chaos that is classic
comedy.

While my primary desired outcome for your evening
is to tickle your funny bone and allow you the
opportunity to escape the pressures of your week in
this tantalizing tale, I believe this story also
carries some curiously significant undertones.
After leaving this evening, allow us to assist you
in pondering the following:

How have you been influenced by the "characters' in
your family tree? What defines a family? Does the
love of your blood make you a family or the blood of
your love? What type sacrifices would you be willing
to make for your family? How would you deal with such
exaggerated circumstances like those unraveled in our
story? What surprises might you discover in your
search for truth, or even in a mere visit one fall
afternoon?

Ponder later.

For now.., sit back, relax & join us as the dashing
young Mortimer faces such questions head on.

Mortimer chases potential victims from the house.

Martha Brewster (Betty Scott Smith)  and
Abby Brewster ( Donna Black) sneak around
in the darkness

President Roosevelt discuss the Panama Canal
with Doctor Einstein

Mortimer gets to listen to a plot for a new play.

Village Players Theater
 1010 West Madison
Oak Park, Illinois

Reservations: 708-524-1892

 "Our mission is to promote the cultural arts through education and
public performances.  We have a unique and  valuable performance
venue, and we will strive to continue to bring variety and quality to
our productions.  Those  artistic achievements that have endured
over these many years are due to the generosity of the theater going
public,  and we hope we can count on their valued support for our
41st season and in the years to come."  Village Players Theater