10,000+ Astonishing Facts About the Arsenic and Old Lace Play

Synopsis

"Arsenic and Old Lace", a farcical black comedy by Joseph Kesselring, tells the darkly humorous tale of the Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, two harmless-seeming elderly women who have been discreetly poisoning lonely old men with elderberry wine laced with arsenic for years. Their nephew, Mortimer Brewster, discovers their macabre secret and becomes embroiled in a web of lies, mistaken identities, and murder. With its quirky characters, witty dialogue, and suspenseful plot, "Arsenic and Old Lace" has become a beloved classic of American theater.

Cultural Impact

Since its premiere in 1941, "Arsenic and Old Lace" has been performed countless times worldwide and has been adapted into several films and television productions. The play's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes of family, morality, and the unexpected.

Key Characters

Abby Brewster: The elder of the Brewster sisters, Abby is a sweet and gentle woman with a penchant for baking and a secret passion for poisoning.

Martha Brewster: Abby's younger sister, Martha is more pragmatic and less sentimental, but is equally complicit in her sister's deadly deeds.

Mortimer Brewster: A drama critic and the nephew of the Brewster sisters, Mortimer is a kind-hearted and well-intentioned man who becomes torn between his affection for his aunts and his moral obligations.

Jonathan Brewster: Mortimer's eccentric and unpredictable brother, Jonathan is a former theater actor who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and charges around the house shouting orders.

Dr. Einstein: A bumbling and absent-minded plastic surgeon, Dr. Einstein is based on a real-life physician who performed bizarre experiments on corpses.

Themes

The Dangers of Secrecy: "Arsenic and Old Lace" explores the corrosive effects of keeping secrets, both within families and in society at large. The Brewster sisters' hidden crime ultimately unravels their seemingly idyllic lives, leading to chaos and tragedy.

The Nature of Evil: The play raises questions about the nature of evil and the extent to which it can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. The seemingly harmless Brewster sisters commit heinous crimes with a shocking lack of remorse, blurring the lines between good and evil.

The Importance of Family: Despite its dark undertones, "Arsenic and Old Lace" also celebrates the importance of family bonds. Mortimer's love for his aunts, even after discovering their terrible secret, is a testament to the power of familial loyalty.

Key Statistics

• "Arsenic and Old Lace" has been performed over 4,000 times on Broadway alone.
• The play was adapted into a film in 1944, which was nominated for three Academy Awards.
• The play has been translated into over 30 languages and performed in countries around the world.

Tips and Tricks

For aspiring actors and directors, here are some tips and tricks for interpreting "Arsenic and Old Lace":

Embrace the Farcical Elements: The play's farcical elements are essential to its success. Actors should embrace the over-the-top characters and situations, ensuring that the humor remains buoyant and the pace remains brisk.

Explore the Emotional Depth: Beneath the laughter, "Arsenic and Old Lace" tackles complex emotional themes. Actors should delve into the characters' motivations and relationships, bringing depth and nuance to their performances.

Create Memorable Characters: The characters in "Arsenic and Old Lace" are larger than life. Actors should create unique and memorable portrayals, highlighting their eccentricities and quirks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes actors and directors make when interpreting "Arsenic and Old Lace" include:

Overplaying the Humor: While the play contains plenty of humor, it is important not to overdo it. Actors should avoid mugging or playing to the audience, instead focusing on delivering the dialogue naturally and with a sense of timing.

Ignoring the Darkness: "Arsenic and Old Lace" is not simply a comedy. The play deals with serious themes such as murder and morality. Actors and directors should ensure that these darker elements are not overshadowed by the humor.

Making the Characters Too Sympathetic: The Brewster sisters are complex characters, but it is important to avoid making them too sympathetic. Actors should ensure that the audience remains aware of the gravity of their crimes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The play's dark humor and eccentric characters make it a crowd-pleaser.
• The play offers opportunities for actors to create memorable and challenging roles.
• The play's themes are timeless and relevant to audiences of all ages.

Cons:

• The play's farcical elements can be difficult to balance with the darker themes.
• The play's story is somewhat predictable and lacks a strong dramatic arc.
• The play's ending is somewhat contrived and doesn't fully resolve the play's conflicts.

New Applications

The themes of "Arsenic and Old Lace" can be applied to a variety of new contexts and applications:

Film and Television: The play's farcical elements and suspenseful plot make it well-suited for adaptation into film and television. A modern adaptation could update the setting and characters while retaining the play's core themes.

Stage Adaptations: The play could be adapted for different stage formats, such as a one-act play or a musical. A musical adaptation could explore the characters' inner lives and emotional conflicts through song and dance.

Interactive Experiences: The play's interactive nature and suspenseful plot could be translated into an interactive experience, such as a choose-your-own-adventure game or a murder mystery dinner.

Table 1: Arsenic and Old Lace Productions

Table 2: Arsenic and Old Lace Characters

Table 3: Arsenic and Old Lace Themes

Table 4: Arsenic and Old Lace Tips and Tricks