Seeking Performers for "Arsenic and Old Lace" Show

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(Cameo) The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. Very mild-mannered and kind.