Arsenic and Old Lace

Character Descriptions

 

 

Note: the age in parenthesis is the character’s  age.  Emphasis during casting will be placed on the actor’s ability to believably portray that age.

 

ABBY BREWSTER:  (Senior Citizen) the spunky half of the sweet and proper sisters.  She is unlimited energy in ruffles and lace.

 

MARTHA BREWSTER: (Senior Citizen) the sweet and sentimental half of the Brewster spinsters.  She is the proud creator of their special elderberry wine.

 

MORTIMER BREWSTER: (25+) the charming, cynical nephew who is a theatre critic. He is a confident “uptown” Manhattan-ite sophisticate whose life is about to unravel. 

 

JONATHAN BREWSTER: (30+) the evil Brewster nephew. Tall, sinister, a coiled snake, a proud killer, with a family score to settle.  He is very “Boris Karloff” in his voice and looks. (will need to copy Karloff’s speaking style)

 

TEDDY BREWSTER: (20+) the nephew who is convinced that he is the late great President Roosevelt. He is plump and boyish and exhibits all of Teddy R’s mannerisms and style.  This part requires physical comedy (pratfall and carrying another person)

 

DR. EINSTEIN: (40+) is a broken down German surgeon, and Jonathan’s accomplice.  This is NOT the famous Dr. Einstein…this one is seedy and has a weakness for drink.  Will also consider a female for this role. (will need German accent)

 

ELAINE HARPER: (20+) is the very attractive daughter of the Minister who lives next door to the Aunts.  She is fashionable and very female.  She is Mortimer’s love interest.

 

OFFICER O’HARA: (30+) is a frustrated playwright and good natured blowhard who walks the Brewsters’ neighborhood beat.  (Will need Brooklyn accent.)

 

OFFICER BROPHY: (50) is the veteran on the Bronx squad. (Brooklyn Accent)

 

OFFICER KLEIN: (20) is the Rookie on the beat…loves to eat …all the time. (Brooklyn Accent)

 

*REV. HARPER: (50+) is an Episcopal Minister, Elaine’s Dad and the Brewster sisters’ conservative next door neighbor.

 

*LT. ROONEY: (40+) is the precinct boss and one TOUGH New York cop. (Brooklyn Accent)

 

*MR. WITHERSPOON:  (Senior citizen) is the fastidious, anal retentive Superintendent of the Happy Dale Sanitarium. 

 

*MR GIBBS: (Senior Citizen) grumpy old gentleman interested in renting a room at the Brewsters’.

 

* these are minor parts that could be doubled by 2 actors if necessary.

 

12 YELLOW FEVER VICTIMS:  (Senior Citizen – Minimum age to audition is 8th Grade, may be male or female.  Must also be minimum of 5’5” tall.) Mannequin role requiring strong concentration.

This is a very small rehearsal commitment (won’t be needed until Jan.) but involves every performance.