Brewery Arts CenterArsenic & Old Lace

In Joseph Kesselring’s classic dark comedy we are introduced to Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic who stumbles upon a chilling revelation: his endearing aunts, Abby and Martha, have been engaging in acts of mercy by poisoning lonely elderly men. This shocking discovery thrusts Mortimer into a chaotic struggle to shield his charming yet misguided aunts from the law, all while navigating the eccentricities of his family, including the menacing criminal Jonathan and Teddy, who fervently believes he is former President Theodore Roosevelt.

 

The play’s farcical elements are brilliantly accentuated through Mortimer’s comedic encounters with an inept police department and his persistently oblivious fiancé, whose refusal to be sidelined adds to the comedic tumult. Kesselring artfully weaves slapstick humor with an underlying suspense, delving into themes of insanity, familial loyalty, and the absurdity of existence. With its array of colorful characters, unexpected twists, and sharp dialogue, “Arsenic and Old Lace” has secured its status as a beloved cornerstone of American theater, continually captivating audiences with its delightful blend of humor and chaos.