ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

Written by

The play is a farcical dark comedy revolving around the Brewster family, descended from the Mayflower settlers but now composed of maniacs, most of them homicidal. The hero, Mortimer Brewster, is a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, murderous family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves, Elaine Harper, who lives next door and is the daughter of the local minister. His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men; a brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt; and a murderous brother who has received plastic to conceal his identity.

Director

Josh Scott

The Cast.

Director

Jalee Scott

Stage Manager

Kristen McPhie

Abby Brewster

An elderly woman seen as sweet and polite, she is the sister of Martha and an aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer. While Abby and Martha seem to have the airs of old-fashioned society women, they poison elderly men who come to their home seeking lodging. Abby is the more dominant of the pair and considers herself a good Christian, despite her dark deeds.

Female, Late 60s

Martha Brewster

Abby’s sister Martha is the more submissive of the pair, but still a woman of her own with a wicked sense of humor. She too is ruled by her Christian sensibility, however is never struck by the irony of their murderous actions. She believes wholeheartedly that she and her sister are helping these men find peace.

Female, Late 60s

Mortimer Brewster

The youngest brother of Teddy and Jonathan, Mortimer is considered the only “sane” person in the family. Mortimer works as a theatre critic (something he admits he knows almost nothing about), and is deeply in love with his aunts’ neighbor, Elaine. Classically chivalrous and equally as foolish, Mortimer would do anything to protect his aunts from the murderer in their home, even if he doesn’t realize the murderer is them.

Male, Late 30s

Elaine Harper

The minister’s daughter, but not like you would expect. Elaine is young, sharp, and a little bit sassy, displaying surprising wisdom throughout the play. A huge range of emotions makes her a thrilling character to play.

Female, 20s

Teddy Brewster

Teddy is the brother of Jonathan and Mortimer, and lives with his aunts Abby and Martha. A blissfully deluded man, he believes he is Theodore Roosevelt.

Male, Mid 40s

Jonathan Brewster

Jonathan is, quite simply, a sociopath. Bent on turning the Brewster home into a plastic surgery clinic to change the faces of criminals, Jonathan exhibits a classic lack of empathy and a white-hot temper. Jonathan’s hatred toward his brother Mortimer shows throughout the play, and his pettiness displays itself even more.

Male, Early 40s

Dr. Einstein

A German plastic surgeon, Dr. Einstein is Jonathan’s alcoholic doctor who has given Jonathan three face lifts to help him evade crime. While generally submissive to Jonathan, Dr. Einstein still knows how to manipulate Jonathan to get his way.

Male, Late 40s

Officer O'Hara

A kind and good-natured police officer, O’Hara has a passion for playwriting and pesters Mortimer to read his play. O’Hara is incredibly persistent, but never means to be, and would consider himself respectful.

Male, 30s

The Rev. Dr. Harper

Dr. Harper is a refined gentleman, a minister and neighbor to the Brewster sisters. He displays a clear fondness for Abby and Martha but is not so approving of their nephew Mortimer trying to date his daughter Elaine.

Male, 50s

Officer Brophy

Officer Klein

Pleasant neighborhood police officer who is doing the rounds collecting toys for children.

Officer Brophy’s police partner, Klein is also a kindly officer who has gotten to know the Brewster sisters.

Lieutenant Rooney

The head of the local precinct, Lt. Rooney is a commanding man with a short temper. He is large and in-charge, unafraid to speak up and control any situation at hand.

Mr. Witherspoon

Mr. Witherspoon is the mild-mannered superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium.

Mr. Gibbs

A gruff older man who comes to the Brewster home in search of lodging, who narrowly escapes getting poisoned by the sisters.

Male, Any age

Male, 50s

Male, 50s-60s

Male, 60s

The Performances.

Thursday, August 29th

Friday, August 30th

Saturday, August 31st

7:30 pm

Thursday, September 5th

Friday, September 6th

Saturday, September 7th

7:30 pm

2:00 pm

7:30 pm

Thursday, September 12th

Friday, September 13th

Saturday, September 14th

7:30 pm

The Auditions.

June 25th from 6:10 - 8:30 pm

The Electric Theater, 68 E Tabernacle St. - Lower Level

*Video Submissions will be accepted for those unable to attend in person.

Please prepare a thirty second to one-minute comedic monologue

Callbacks will be by invitation only.

Rehearsals are July 22 - Aug. 22, Monday through Thursday from 6 to 10 pm.

Load in August 24, 11 am - 11 pm

Tech Rehearsals August 26 - 28, 5 - 11 pm

Please know that The Stage Door insists on providing a supportive, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Auditioning, participating, and casting is open to all and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

We are committed to providing a safe and creative environment for artistic expression.

"Arsenic and Old Lace" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.