St. Viator's 'Arsenic and Old Lace' has recipe for success
St. Viator High School senior Enza Catalano nearly stole the show two years ago, when the school mounted the musical, "Bye, Bye Birdie."
In it, she played the role of "Mama," the domineering mother of henpecked Albert, with just the right mix of an earthy, New York accent, and right-on timing with her delivery.
"She was a tough old bird, from Brooklyn," Enza says. "I had a lot of fun with her."
By contrast, her latest role, as one of two spinster aunts in St. Viator's production of "Arsenic and Old Lace," is full of sweetness and light, who just happens to have a penchant for killing off lonely old men.
Same aged character as Mama, but different characterization to interpret, with just as much comedic potential, Enza says. All of which offers plenty of material for Enza -- and her classmate, Emily Lagattuta, who plays her sister -- to uncover.
Together, they opened the school's spring play on Thursday, but performances continue 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $5 at the school, which is at 1213 E. Oakton St. in Arlington Heights.
Principals also include:, Mike Masterton, Amy Nicholas, Matt Filstead, Tim Bertucci, Molly Farwell and Joe Giovannetti all of Arlington Heights; Matt Thomspson of Hoffman Estates; Richard Schwartz of Mount Prospect; Katie MacKendrick and Alex Majewski of Barrington; Kathleen Conaghan of Palatine, and Dan Kamys of Niles.
It was the senior, Catalano, who suggested the play to director Kate Costello. Written in 1939 by Joseph Kesselring, it achieved lasting fame in the 1944 film directed by Frank Capra and starring Cary Grant.
"It's one of my favorite shows, ever," says Enza, of Prospect Heights. "There are so many subtle things that are going on behind everything. It's just a really intelligent comedy, where you really need to pay attention, to get it."
Costello credits the students with carrying off the classic comedy, but adds that the two-story set, designed by Peter McManus of Rolling Meadows, with its Victorian era chandelier and eclectic antiques, add the right amount of detail and charm to advance the period piece.