Arsenic & Old Lace: A Timeless Tale of Poison and Laughter

A Play That Has Captivated Audiences for Over 80 Years

First staged in 1941, Arsenic & Old Lace has become a beloved classic of American theater. With its macabre humor and endearing characters, the play continues to delight audiences worldwide.

The Plot: A Spine-Tingling Comedy

The play centers around the Brewster family, an eccentric clan living in Brooklyn. The two elderly Brewster sisters, Abby and Martha, are seemingly harmless and devote their lives to charity. However, unbeknownst to them, they have a dark secret: they have been poisoning lonely old men who come to their home.

Chaos ensues when their nephew, Mortimer Brewster, arrives on their doorstep. A drama critic, Mortimer is horrified to discover his aunts' deadly hobby. As he tries to deal with the situation, the plot thickens with the arrival of his brother, Teddy, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt.

The Characters: A Quirky and Memorable Cast

Abby Brewster: The elder of the two sisters, Abby is kind, gentle, and sweet. She has a passion for elderberry wine and is oblivious to her own murderous actions.

Martha Brewster: The younger sister, Martha is more practical than Abby. She has a morbid fascination with death and is responsible for purchasing the arsenic used in their crimes.

Mortimer Brewster: A level-headed and responsible man, Mortimer is torn between his love for his aunts and his moral obligation to expose their crimes.

Teddy Brewster: Teddy is a delusional and eccentric man who believes he is the former president Theodore Roosevelt. He charges around the house making speeches and carrying a big stick.

The Themes: Murder, Madness, and the Bonds of Family

Arsenic & Old Lace explores various themes, including:

Murder: The play grapples with the moral implications of murder and the fine line between right and wrong.

Madness: The Brewster sisters' delusions and Teddy's dissociative disorder add an element of absurdity and humor to the play.

Family: Despite their dark secret, the Brewster sisters love and care for each other. Mortimer's struggle to reconcile his loyalty to his family with his moral compass highlights the complex dynamics of family relationships.

The Legacy: An Enduring Classic

Over the years, Arsenic & Old Lace has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and radio dramas. It has also been translated into dozens of languages and performed worldwide.

Notable Quotes

• "I'm not crazy! I'm Theodore Roosevelt!" - Teddy Brewster
• "I put arsenic in the elderberry wine. Look, I even drank some to show it was harmless." - Abby Brewster
• "It's so much easier to strangle a person than to shoot him." - Martha Brewster
• "I'm so confused. I don't know whether I'm coming or going." - Mortimer Brewster

Impact on Popular Culture

Arsenic & Old Lace has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring countless references in movies, television, and music. For example:

• The phrase "Arsenic and old lace" has become a euphemism for murder.
• The Brewster sisters have been parodied in numerous films, including "Psycho" and "The Addams Family."
• The play has been referenced in songs by artists such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

Educational Value

Arsenic & Old Lace offers several educational opportunities:

• History: The play provides a glimpse into American society during the early 20th century.
• Psychology: The characters' delusions and motivations offer insights into human behavior and mental health.
• Ethics: The play raises questions about the ethics of murder and the responsibility to uphold the law.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Arsenic & Old Lace has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including:

• Pulitzer Prize for Drama (1941)
• New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play (1941)
• Tony Award for Best Play (1941)

Modern Adaptations

In recent years, Arsenic & Old Lace has been re-imagined in various ways:

• In 2014, a new Broadway production of the play starred Tovah Feldshuh and Santino Fontana.
• In 2016, the play was adapted into a BBC One television miniseries starring Julia McKenzie and Lydia Leonard.
• In 2019, a new film adaptation of the play was announced, with Amy Schumer and Nicole Kidman set to star.

Conclusion

Arsenic & Old Lace remains a beloved and enduring classic of American theater. With its macabre humor, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes, the play continues to captivate audiences around the world.