ARSENIC AND OLD LACE AUDITIONS

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE AUDITIONS

A dark comedy revolving around the Brewster family of Brooklyn. The Brewster family, descended from Mayflower settlers, is now composed mostly of homicidal maniacs. Mortimer Brewster discovers that his two spinster aunts, Abby and Martha, have developed a disturbing habit. They have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with glasses of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide. Teddy, Mortimer’s brother, believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt and while a second murderous brother, Jonathan, returns home to hide from the law. Mortimer struggles to find solutions to rid his family of the crazy, which leads to madcap hilarity.

AUDITIONS at Whidbey Playhouse 730 SE Midway Blvd.

Saturday, August 26 from 1:00-4:00 pm in the STAR Studio

Sunday, August 27 from 1:00-4:00 pm in the STAR Studio

Invited call-backs on Monday, August 28 at 6:30 pm in the STAR Studio if needed.

Roles are available for 3 females and 11 males. Auditions will feature cold readings of provided scripts from the play. Arsenic and Old Lace will be on stage from November 3–26, 2023. Scripts are available for checkout from the Playhouse office. Scripts should be returned prior to or during the auditions.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Ages below are only suggestive. Actual ages will be determined by turnout. If needed, females may be cast in typically male roles. The parts noted by PHYSICAL need to be able to be physical in the role both while acting and in minor fight choreography.

WOMEN

Abby Brewster (Lead, 40-70) A darling lady, and the very model of Victorian charm and grace.

Martha Brewster (Lead, 40-70) Very sweet, but more submissive than Abby.

Elaine Harper (Supporting, 20-35) Daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper and surprisingly wise in the ways of the world for a minister’s daughter. She is a little bit wily, sassy, and absolutely sharp.

MEN

Mortimer Brewster (Lead, 25-40) A very likable good-hearted cynic whose life is turned upside down. Mortimer controls the show. From the discovery of the first body, he must be electrified and carry that energy throughout the show. PHYSICAL

Teddy Brewster (Supporting, 30-50) Very likable and kindhearted. Very energetic while charging up a flight of stairs and screaming “CHARGE!” PHYSICAL

Jonathan Brewster (Supporting, 30-50) A psychopathic murderer who has no scruples whatsoever. He is creepy and has an unbelievably short temper. PHYSICAL

Dr. Einstein (Supporting, 40-50) A German plastic surgeon, with an accent. He is mousey and submissive to Jonathan. His face wears the benevolent smirk of a man who lives in a pleasant haze of alcohol.

Officer O’Hara (Supporting, any age) He is an Irish-American police officer; full of life, good natured and played big. O’Hara is a would-be playwright, and needs to plainly display a nagging, persistent drive.

Reverend Dr. Harper (Featured, 45-60) He should display a sense of polish, refinement, and mild-mannered sensitivity towards others.

Officer Brophy (Featured, 25-45) Brophy is a thoroughly likable sort of fellow. 

Officer Klein (Featured, 25-45) A likable flatfoot.

Mr. Gibbs (Featured, 45-80) He is a little gruff, but warms up quickly when wine is offered.

Lieutenant Rooney (Featured, 40-60) He has little patience for blunder and mistakes. He is loud, decisive, and clearly in-charge of every situation.

Mr. Witherspoon (Featured, 40-60) Very mild mannered and kind.

Contact the office at 360-679-2237 or office@whidbeyplayhouse.com with questions.