By Joseph Kesselring
Directed by Stuart Jonap

Production Dates:October 10-13 & 18-20, 2024

SYNOPSIS: Brooklyn, 1940
Mortimer Brewster is living a happy life: he has a steady job at a prominent New York newspaper, he's just become engaged, and he gets to visit his sweet spinster aunts to announce the engagement. Mortimer always knew that his family had a bit of a mad gene -- his brother believes himself to be Teddy Roosevelt -- but his world is turned upside down when he realizes that his dear aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years. When Mortimer's maniacal brother, Jonathan, returns on the night that the aunts were planning to bury the newest victim, Mortimer must rally to help his aunts and protect his fiancé -- all while trying to keep his own sanity.

ROLE CONSIDERATIONS:
The director plans to cast as traditionally as possible and minding the time period the play is set in as well. Cameo roles are smaller roles - typically one scene. Some cameo roles may be combined depending on auditions. Ages noted below are suggestive and if an actor can play the part, they will be considered.

CAST OF CHARACTERS:

Abby Brewster (Female 50-70 years old) A darling lady, and the very model of Victorian charm and grace, who poisons elderly gentlemen, with her sister as an act of charity. She and her sister Martha seem to be the absolute embodiment of the values and polite society of a bygone age. More dominant, and a bit older than Martha, both ladies are happy, healthy, lucid, and spry.

Martha Brewster (Female 50-70 years old) Very sweet and more submissive than Abby, Martha still is a strong woman. She and her sister have lived together for many, many years. Their personalities and pecking order around each other have been firmly rooted for eons. Always wears a high collar.

Elaine Harper (Female 25-35 years old) Daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper, and Mortimer's fiancée. She is surprisingly wise in the ways of the world for a minister's daughter. She is a little bit wily, sassy, and spunky. Elaine progresses from casual happiness, to utter bliss, to twisted confusion, to stark fear, to relief, and back to casual happiness again.

Mortimer Brewster (Male 30's) Nephew of Abby and Martha, brother to both Teddy and Jonathan Brewster. Very likable and a bit high strung. Mortimer is a drama critic who is in love with, & engaged to Elaine Harper. A good-hearted cynic who is about to have his world turned upside down. Mortimer controls much of the show. Physical comedy, perfection of timing in dialog delivery, likability in presence, and an ability to display agility in navigating the rapidly changing circumstances of each scene.

Teddy Brewster (Male 35-50 years old) Very likable, kindhearted brother to Mortimer and Jonathan, Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, Teddy is a man who believes that he is the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. Extreme dedication and energy is necessary while charging up a flight of stairs and screaming "CHARGE!" multiple times.

Jonathan Brewster (Male 40's) Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, brother to Teddy and Mortimer. Jonathan is a menacing psychopath who has numerous murders to his credit and no scruples whatsoever. He is a large/tall man and physically imposing. Jonathan is a killer, that loves his business and he's got an unbelievably short temper.

Dr. Einstein (Male or Female 35 -50 years old) A German plastic surgeon, with an accent to prove it. Right hand to Jonathan, Dr. Einstein is mousey and submissive to Jonathan. Small in stature (in contrast to Jonathan's largeness), Einstein lives in a pleasant haze of alcohol.

Reverend Dr. Harper (50-70 years old) (Cameo) We only see Elaine Harper's father in the opening scene; a doctor of divinity, and the minister to the church next door to the Brewster house. Dr. Harper should display a sense of polish, refinement, and mild mannered sensitivity towards others.

Officer Brophy (Male 30-50 years old) Along with Klein, Brophy, will be working the audience pre-show and participate in the curtain speech. Slight Irish accent is preferred. Brophy is a thoroughly likable sort of fellow.

Officer Klein (Male 30-50 years old) Along with Brophy, Klein, will be working the audience pre-show and participate in the curtain speech. Slight New York accent is preferred. A flatfoot Brooklyn officer who makes his rounds with Officer Brophy collecting Christmas toys.

Officer O'Hara (any age) (Cameo) Full of life, good natured and played big. He is on very good terms with the Aunts. O'Hara is a would-be playwright, and needs to plainly display the nagging, persistent drive that's kindled within him once he discovers that Mortimer is a famous drama critic. Well intentioned,
O'Hara really doesn't mean to come across as annoying as he does.

Mr. Gibbs (50-80 years old) (Cameo) An elderly gentleman who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters; and nearly falls victim to the sisters "charity". He is a little gruff, but he warms up fairly quickly upon being offered a treat he hasn't had since he was a child.

Lieutenant Rooney (50's) (Cameo) The man in charge at the local police precinct. He has very little patience for blunder and mistakes, and needs to run a pretty tight ship. He is loud, decisive, and clearly in-charge of every situation in which he finds himself.

Mr. Witherspoon (50-60s years old) (Cameo) The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. Very mild-mannered and kind.
Please be advised that Arsenic and Old Lace features outdated and insensitive portrayals of psychiatric conditions.