Talent Wanted for "Arsenic and Old Lace" Show

A New York theater critic, Mortimer is urbane, witty, and thinks he is in control of his life. He becomes increasingly unglued as he gradually discovers his family’s dark secrets. Excellent at physical comedy.

Mortimer’s aunt, she is sweet and kindly, but a bit bossier than her sister Martha. She is very concerned with not having her tea things cleared away on time but has no problem with concealing a dead body in her window seat.

Mortimer’s aunt, sweet and kindly, but a bit more timid than her sister Abby. She is justly proud of her home cooking, and of her ability to conceal the taste of multiple poisons in her elderberry wine.

The true psychotic in the family, Jonathan bears a murderous grudge against most of the world, especially his brother Mortimer. This is not helped by botched plastic surgery that makes him resemble Boris Karloff at his most ghoulish. Should be able to present as truly threatening, but also have a sense of comedic timing.

Jonathan’s accomplice, a self-taught plastic surgeon masquerading as a doctor, using the name of the famous physicist. Speaks with a German accent and enjoys a drink (or ten). Einstein is a bit squeamish about Jonathan’s brutality, but will always support him in the end, partially out of fear. Comic character actor.

A smart and self-assured young woman, Elaine is Mortimer’s equal in witty repartee and is in love with him. She becomes increasingly frustrated by his bizarre behavior but is determined to uncover its cause. A confident love interest in the screwball comedy mold.

Mortimer's brother; a childlike, fun-loving, boisterous man who has decided to live his best life as Teddy Roosevelt. Interacts with his family and the world following his own set of rules. Requires a vivid, charming character actor with a loud audible and physical presence

An enthusiastic and charming Brooklyn cop who comes from a barnstorming theatrical family; Officer O’Hara is also an aspiring playwright and is excited to share the plot of their lurid melodrama with theater critic Mortimer Brewster. An energetic physical comic actor. Possible Irish accent but not required.

A kindly police officer in Brooklyn in a gentler time. Friend and admirer of the Brewster sisters and partner of Officer Klein.

Partner of Officer Brophy; a bit rougher around the edges and not quite as smart. A bit of a slacker on the force. Friends with and very protective of the Brewster sisters.

(Will also play Mr. Witherspoon or Lieutenant Rooney) Elaine’s father, neighbor of the Brewster family and minister at the local church. Dr. Harper is gentle, refined, and longs for a simpler time. He is devoted to the Brewster sisters, but a bit apprehensive about his daughter’s relationship with their nephew Mortimer.

(Will also play Mr. Witherspoon or Lieutenant Rooney) - A brusque, unsentimental older gentleman who comes to the Brewster house looking for a room to rent. The actor needs to go from crusty old man to comically terrified when he unexpectedly encounters an unhinged Mortimer.

(Will also play Dr. Harper or Mr. Gibbs) The head of the local police precinct, Lt. Rooney is a commanding man with a short temper. He is gruff, impatient, loud, and does not suffer fools gladly, especially the officers who report to him. Possible Irish accent but not required.

(Will also play Dr. Harper or Mr. Gibbs) Superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium, and patient in a coolly observant manner. Witherspoon makes a point of avoiding any kind of personal friendship with any of the patients under his care.