Arsenic and Old Laceā is a classic comedic play that combines farce, dark humor, and a touch of murder mystery. Set in the 1940s, the story revolves around the eccentric Brewster family. Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic, discovers that his charming, elderly aunts, Abby and Martha, have a peculiar habit of poisoning lonely old men as an act of charity. To complicate matters, Mortimerās brother Teddy believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and graves in the basement are the Panama Canal.
As Mortimer attempts to deal with his auntsā macabre secret, his other brother, the sinister Jonathan, returns home with his accomplice, Dr. Einstein. Chaos ensues as the brothers try to keep their dark secrets hidden from the prying eyes of neighbors and the law, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and absurd situations.
āArsenic and Old Laceā is a delightful blend of black comedy, witty dialogue, and slapstick humor, with a suspenseful undercurrent that keeps the audience engaged. It is a timeless theatrical gem that continues to entertain audiences with its eccentric characters, fast-paced humor, and twisted yet amusing plot twists.
Character(s) | Actor(s) |
---|---|
Abby Brewster | Elizabeth Howland Foster |
Dr. Einstein | Morris Ansbacher |
Elaine Harper | Marguerite Phillips |
Johathan Brewster | Stokes Perry |
Lt. Rooney | Allan Drexler |
Martha Brewster | Irene Gawne |
Mortimer Brewster | H.K. (Bud) Smith, Jr. |
Mr. Gibbs | Bishop McCauley |
Mr. Witherspoon | Elmo Lehman |
Officer Brophy | Emil Hanna |
Officer Klein | Louis Larmoyeux |
Officer O'Hara | William Schosser |
Reverend Dr. Harper | Hugh Gingras |
Teddy Brewster | Raymond C. Winstead |
Title(s) | Member(s) |
---|---|
Director | Michael Cisney |
Costumes | Elizabeth Hulett, Marcella Cisney, Mrs. Reinhardt, Will Louis |
Crew | Ann Burrell, Ann Johnson, Bishop McCauley, Bob Carter, Dave Sceals, Eleanor Edwards, Ellen Dell, Elmo Lehman, Marjorie Jones, Mary Garcia, Rose Marie Schosser, Sis Delcher, William Schosser |
Make-up | Elmo Lehman, Heidi Meyer, Irma Stockwell, Mrs. Fred Cobb, Rose Marie Schosser |
Props | Ellen Dell, Elsie Behner, Patricia Hulett |
Publicity | A.F. Harris, Marcella Cisney, Mrs. C.H. Denniston, William Schosser |
Set Design | Michael Cisney |
Stage Manager | Emil Hanna |
Cast: 14 Crew: 32 Total: 46