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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Chris Honoré: Reality television and the GOP primaries ... Mural of rescued horses to be unveiled in Talent ... Designer creates spaces for people to have experiences ... Chris Honoré: Reality television and the GOP primaries ... Mural of rescued horses to be unveiled in Talent ... Designer creates spaces for people to have experiences ... CAMELOT THEATRE 'Arsenic and Old Lace' has killer charm Comment By Angela Decker For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Angela Decker For the Tidings Posted May. 3, 2015 at 11:31 AM By Angela Decker For the Tidings Posted May. 3, 2015 at 11:31 AM » Social News Many people complain that their families are crazy, but theater critic Mortimer Brewster can say it with authority. He copes with sweet spinster aunts who poison lonely old men as a “mercy,” one brother who is a homicidal maniac and another who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt. “Insanity runs in my family,” says Mortimer, “It practically gallops.” Camelot Theatre’s production of the dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” packs a healthy dose of nostalgia for old-movie fans. The play, written by Joseph O. Kesselring just before the start of World War II, was wildly popular. The 1944 film starring Cary Grant was even more so, a perfect light-hearted escape for Americans weary of war.  When Mortimer discovers that his beloved aunts have 11 bodies buried in the cellar and one recent victim in the window box, he is rightly alarmed, and all his plans to spend the evening with his fiancée Elaine come to an abrupt halt. He even questions his decision to marry Elaine when he realizes just how nuts his family is.  Directed by Paul R. Jones, the two-act play takes place over a single night, in the charming Victorian-era living room of the elderly Brewster sisters, Abby, played by Shirley Patton, and Martha, played by Brandy Carson. The two skilled actresses give these quirky characters distinct personalities. Patton’s Abby is sparkly and adorable, while Carson gives Martha a grandmotherly grace. The sisters share their home with their nephew Teddy, played by Brian O’Connor, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, blowing a bugle and shouting “Bully!” when he is pleased.  The set, designed by Don Zastoupil is authentic and quaint. The costumes, designed by Donna Boehm are period-appropriate, with a dash of quirk that suit the characters well.  This production may have special appeal for fans of the movie version as the actors channel their cinematic counterparts. Tyler Ward pays homage to Cary Grant’s Mortimer with lots of over-the-top mugging and slapstick. Brianna Gowlan plays a plucky and flirtatious Elaine. Don Matthews, who plays Mortimer’s murderous brother Jonathan, has a booming baritone that lends a dangerous edge to his gleeful villain. Rob Hirschboek, who plays Jonathan’s sniveling sidekick Dr. Einstein, evokes Peter Lorre. Other cast members turn in solid performances as well.  Though the pacing was a bit stiff on opening night, the actors seemed to relax into their roles over time and they delivered a brisk second act. “Arsenic and Old Lace” is full of zippy one-liners, a little romance, a little tension and lots of zany charm. The cast is clearly having a good time and the play doesn’t ask much of the audience beyond sitting back and enjoying the show.  “Arsenic and Old Lace” runs through May 31. Curtain is at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays. General tickets cost $25. Senior and student tickets are $23. To purchase tickets call 541-535-5250 or visit www.CamelotTheatre.org. There is a box office fee of $4. Reserved seating is available for an additional $2 per ticket. Student rush tickets cost $10 and can be purchased 10 minutes before performances. Box office hours are noon to 5 p.m., and one hour before performances. Reach Ashland freelance writer Angela Decker at [email protected]. By Angela Decker For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By Angela Decker For the Tidings Posted May. 3, 2015 at 11:31 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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