Appearing as Abby and Martha Brewster were Lois Dietzer and Anna Francis and both actresses gave delightful, mirthful performances. Ms Dietzer stole the show with her wonderfully wistful giggles and the little bounce to her walk that added so much to the character of Abby. Full understanding of the role was evident in every move, gesture and facial expression. She was a delight. Ms Francis was right on her heels in the less comic role of Martha. She made Martha seem slightly more sane than Abby, but the child-like aura was with her. Both ladies appeared to have lived together for a very long time and sensed one another's moods perfectly.

Matthew Oster appeared uncomfortable in the role of Mortimer Brewster. He was so ramrod stiff throughout the
performance that he failed to take advantage of the many comedic opportunities the script afforded him. He didn't really come across as a New York critic of considerable experience. His few scenes with Clara C Engel sometimes displayed
discomfort and the two did not really appear to be in love. Ms Engel handled her thankless role adroitly. However, the
authors have not given her much opportunity to really develop a fully realized character.. Ben McGilvery portrayed brother Jonathan with menacing gestures, glowering facial expressions and clenched fists, but missed his opportunities for truly subtle evil. Sometimes a quiet, almost hissed utterance is far more effective than a shout, Mr. McGilvery did not take advantage of his chances to be cunning and subtle. Mental patients are usually clever and unpredictable and more of that could have been made evident. Lewis Derr brought Dr. Einstine alive, slinking about and speaking in his German accent. He was an excellent foil to Jonathan's ego. His was a quiet performance that fit the character perfectly.

Elden Lee WAS Teddy Brewster in every respect. He looked like Teddy Roosevelt; he acted like Teddy Roosevelt; he had presidential dignity when he was President Roosevelt that could be favorably adopted by someone in office today. His charge up the stairs was always perfect and eagerly anticipated each time he did it. He blew his bugle with aplomb and so immersed himself into the role that there was no doubt that he was Teddy Brewster. He and Abby take top honors.

Gary Buerk made a very rare appearance on stage in the role of Mr. Gibbs who manages to escape the potent wine
ceremony. His brief appearance was brought much amusement. Mr. Buerk made his presence felt even more with the
beautiful set. He is noted for his fine stage mountings and this was one of his best.

Michael Willinger was quite good in the role of Officer O'Hara, a frustrated author who was trying to interest Mortimore in his work. Others who gave a good accounting of themselves were Dan Dietzer as Dr. Harper, Bob Walls as Officer Kline, Jennifer Oster as Officer Brophy, Ken Cahoo as Lt. Rooney, Steve Horvath as Mr. Witherspoon and Jerry Lee as the bodies of Mr. Hoskins and Mr. Spenalzo.

A show is only as good as the person directing it. A thorough knowledge of the play, the intent of the author, a sense of what will and will not work on the stage, and the ability to draw from his actors the best that they have is what makes for success. John Oster managed to accomplish a great deal with this show. He had some funny and interesting bits of action and is was apparent most of his characters knew their roles and were in character as they should be. Mr. Oster moved the action very well and used the entire stage to his advantage.