Meet the Director - JOE RUSSO
SYNOPSIS​
An uproarious farce, Arsenic and Old Lace has become an audience favorite for generations of theater lovers. Mortimer Brewster is living a relatively 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 (who strangely now resembles Boris Karloff) returns on the night that the aunts were planning to bury their newest victim, Mortimer must rally to help his aunts and protect his fiancé—all while trying to keep his own sanity as well. The hijinks and laughter never stop as the twists and turns will keep you guessing from start to finish in this truly comedic classic.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
* Age ranges refer to the character and not the actor.
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Abby and Martha Brewster:
Darling elderly spinster sisters known in the community for their kindness and charity. No one would ever suspect that their hobbies include the "occasional" poisoning of elderly men. (Age range 50s - 70s)
Mortimer Brewster:
A drama critic who is the nephew of Abby and Martha. A nice man, engaged to be married, who looks after his dear aunts and has no inkling of their sinister undertakings. (Age range 30s - 40s)
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Elaine Harper:
An attractive woman and Mortimer's fiance. She is the daughter of the local minister and will let nothing stand in the way of her trip down the aisle. (Age range 20s - 30s)
The Rev. Dr. Harper:
Kindly and conservative Minister and father of Elaine, Mortimer’s bride-to-be. (Age range 50s - 60s)
Teddy Brewster:
Teddy is the loveable and harmless nephew of Abby and Martha who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt. When not handling matters of national emergency, he enjoys working on the Panama Canal in the basement. (Age range 30s - 40s)
Jonathan Brewster:
Nephew of Abby and Martha, Jonathan is a wanted murderer on the run from the law. Due to several botched plastic surgeries, he bears an uncanny resemblance to the actor Boris Karloff.
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Dr. Einstein:
A failed plastic surgeon and alcoholic, Dr. Einstein has changed Jonathan's face three times, successful only in deforming his appearance. Comic, he speaks with a heavy German accent. (Age range 40s - 60s)
Officer O'Hara:
A police officer, O’Hara is a would-be playwright who pesters Mortimer to read his play. (Age range 30s - 40s)
Officer Brophy
Local police officer who regularly visits the Brewster home for tea and cookies and has no idea of the extra-curricular activities taking place within. (Age range 30s - 40s)
Officer Klein:
Local police officer who regularly visits the Brewster home for tea and cookies and has no idea of the extra-curricular activities taking place within. (Age range 20s - 30s)
Lieutenant Rooney:
A tough and dominating police officer. (Age range 50s - 60s)
Mr. Witherspoon:
The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium, an institution for the mentally ill. (Age range 50s - 60s)
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DIRECTOR:
Joe Russo
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AUDITIONS
Sunday, May 26, 3pm
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CALLBACKS/MAKEUPS
Monday, May 27, 6pm
Tuesday, May 28, 6pm
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PERFORMANCES:
Sep 6-22