By Joseph Kesselring
directed by Gregg Edelman
at The Fitzpatrick Main Stage
BTG’s Stockbridge Campus, 83 East Main Street
Previews: Thursday, July 27 through Friday, July 28
Press Opening/Opening Night: Saturday, July 29 at 8pm
Talkback: Monday, July 31 after 7pm performance
Closing: Saturday, August 19 at 8pm
Tickets: Preview: $45
Tickets: $65
Sponsored by: Country Curtains, The Red Lion Inn and Blantyre.
Celebrated as playwright Joseph Kesselring's most successful play, Arsenic and Old Lace is a side-splitting, farcical tale. An American classic, Arsenic and Old Lace first debuted on Broadway in 1941, in which New York Times critic Brooks Atkinson raved that the production’s “casual point of view that is so robustly entertaining.” Filled with colorful characters and witty plot twists, this quirky comedy is one for the ages. This production is directed by Tony Award-nominated Gregg Edelman (Broadway: City of Angels, 1776, Into The Woods; BTG: Constellations, Deathtrap).
Good-hearted drama critic, Mortimer Brewster appears to lead a normal, happy life. Recently engaged to be married, Mortimer plans a trip to visit his charming, spinster aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster. However, shortly after Mortimer’s arrival, he discovers that his innocent aunts have a deadly secret buried in the basement—about a dozen older gentlemen. To Mortimer’s dismay, Abby and Martha deem their poisonous habits as charitable acts; convinced that they are putting these men out of their misery. Attempting to protect society without sending Abby and Martha to prison, hilarity and madness ensues as Mortimer tries to wrangle in his crazy aunts, along with his brothers—Theodore, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt, and maniacal, murderous Jonathan.
Director Gregg Edelman says, "Arsenic and Old Lace is one of the great American comedies. It’s one of those plays that makes you laugh-out-loud just sitting in your chair and reading it. I can’t wait to get into rehearsal with the wonderfully funny actors that BTG is assembling. It’s going to be a blast from start to finish."
Cast Breakdown
Katie Birenboim as Elaine Harper
Ryan Chittaphong as Officer Klein
Mia Dillon as Martha Brewster
Timothy Gulan as Teddy
Harriet Harris as Abby Brewster
Walter Hudson as Mr. Witherspoon and Mr. Gibbs
Gerry McIntyre as Officer O'Hara
Graham Rowat as Mortimer Brewster
Tom Story as Dr. Einstein
Matt Sullivan as Jonathan Brewster
Michael Sullivan as Officer Brophy
Walton Wilson as The Rev. Dr. Harper and Lieutenant Rooney