Fans of the theater were treated to an evening of black comedy Friday when the Viroqua Community Theatre opened its production of Joseph Kesserling’s “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

The audience was transported to September 1941 and the peaceful living room of the Brewster home in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The play, filled with twists, turns and a surprise ending, centers around the Brewster sisters -- Aunt Abby and Aunt Martha and their charity toward lonely, Christian, men. Along with the two aunts are their nephews -- Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic, and Teddy Brewster, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and has the Panama Canal running through the cellar.

Early in the play, Mortimer and Elaine, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Harper, discuss getting married, with Mortimer insisting that they shouldn’t wait more than a month.

Mortimer shares the marriage plans with his aunts, who are delighted with the news.

As Mortimer searches through the living room for a chapter of a book he is writing, he discovers Mr. Hoskins stuffed in the window seat.

Convinced Teddy is the culprit, Mortimer insists that the aunts must have his brother sign commitment papers to enter Happy Dale Sanitarium that very night.

Abby and Martha, in a matter-of-fact way, admit to Mortimer that Abby gave Mr. Hoskins poisoned elderberry wine to drink, and he will join the 11 other men buried in the cellar.

After their confession, the comedic absurdity gains momentum and doesn’t stop until the end.

It seemed, everyone was perfectly cast.

Dean Saner (Mortimer Brewster) was a stitch as the arrogant theater critic.

Margot Hipwell was sweet as Mortimer’s frustrated and feisty girlfriend, who was not always sure of his affections toward her.

Taryn Power Greendeer (Abby Brewster) and Erika Tucker were funny as the sweet (and prim) sisters who are willing to provide help when needed.

Matt Urch used his extraordinary height well, and was down right creepy as Jonathan Brewster, Mortimer and Teddy’s brother.

Colin Crockett, cast as Dr. Einstein, the surgeon, had a fitting German accent and the ticks of a man who needs his “drink” to function.

Dan Heitman, cast as Teddy Brewster, had the audience laughing as he charged up San Juan Hill and blasted his bugle.

The police officers -- “Patz” Knower (Officer O’Hara), Jim Graham (Officer Brophy) and Jonah Walker (Officer Klein) -- suited their characters as well.

They are to be commended for keeping their composure when Saner was having a tough time untying the rope around his feet after being rescued from Jonathan’s clutches.

Ed Peterson was convincing as the sad and lonely Mr. Gibbs.

Steve Parr (the no-nonsense Lt. Rooney), Gil Hoel (the kindly Mr. Witherspoon) and Grant Van Lishout (the Rev. Dr. Harper) were calm voices of reason in the production. (Ethan Larson will play Dr. Harper in this weekend’s performances.)

Another character of sorts that helped round out the play was the lovely, peaceful living room, complete with rich red wallpaper, antique furnishings and open staircase. The talents of the set building team, set painters, trim carpenter and interior design team really shone through and helped take the audience back 68 years.

At Friday night’s performance, one could tell all of actors enjoyed being on stage and had fun with each other.

Everyone involved in the production -- from director Pam Kalinosky to social manager Dianne Bone -- deserve an enthusiastic round applause for giving the audience a great night of entertainment.

Show still running

Viroqua Community Theatre will continue its run of “Arsenic and Old Lace” at the Temple Theatre this weekend.

Show time on Friday and Saturday, June 26-27, is 7 p.m. A matinee will be presented on Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased in Viroqua at Citizens First Bank, Viroqua Bank, Viroqua Food Cooperative, Nelson Agri-Center and Bramble Books. Tickets will also be available at the door.