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 | Mardie Kelly |
Rev. Dr. Harper | Stan Murphy |
Teddy Brewster | Mel Wilhite |
Officer Brophy | Steve Turner |
Officer Klein | Eugene Shaw |
Martha Brewster | Edie Hall |
Elaine Harper | Liz McCall |
Mortimer Brewster | Thom Scoggins |
Mr. Gibbs | Larry Usoff |
Jonathan Brewster | Dick Kerekes |
Dr. Einstein | Marshall Grauer |
Officer O'Hara | Doug Thomas |
Lt. Rooney | Vic Harrold |
Mr. Witherspoon | Bill Harriman |
Title(s) | Member(s) |
---|---|
Director | Robert Knowles |
Scene Design | Hal Henderson |
Stage Manager | Pam Jackson |
Light - Sound Operator | Barbara Stillson |
Properties | Amelia Senhausen, Shirley Cooke, Valerie Hall |
Set Construction | Marty Algrim, Sarah Barto, Marty Friedman, Kelly Hart, Valerie Hall, Tom Heffernan, Sheila Henderson, Saul Sharf, Barbara Stillson |
Costumes | Gert Berman |
Publicity | Gerri Turbow, Jack Newsome |
Box Office | Barbara Stillson, Leonard Alterman, Shirley Cooke, Ann Dubow, Nancy Frankhouser, Pat Somers, Esther Tkac |
Cast: 14 Crew: 26 Total: 40