One-line Summary:

A dark comedy that follows the eccentric Brewster family as they navigate a series of murders committed by two sweet old ladies.

The Brewster Family: Eccentricity at its Finest

In Joseph Kesselring’s play “Arsenic and Old Lace,” readers are introduced to the eccentric Brewster family, who reside in a quaint Brooklyn home. The story revolves around the two elderly sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, who have a peculiar hobby of poisoning lonely old men with a glass of homemade elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and “just a pinch” of cyanide. The Brewster sisters believe they are doing a good deed by relieving these men of their loneliness and suffering. Their nephew, Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic, stumbles upon their secret and must navigate the chaos that ensues.

Murder, Mayhem, and Hilarity

As Mortimer tries to come to terms with his aunts’ murderous activities, he must also contend with his two brothers, Teddy and Jonathan. Teddy, who believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt, spends his days charging up the stairs, reenacting the charge on San Juan Hill. Jonathan, on the other hand, is a notorious criminal who has recently had his face altered by a drunken plastic surgeon, making him look like Boris Karloff’s Frankenstein’s monster. The arrival of Jonathan and his alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein, only adds to the chaos in the Brewster household.

The play takes place over the course of one day, with Mortimer desperately trying to keep the authorities at bay while dealing with his eccentric family. As the bodies pile up, Mortimer’s sanity is pushed to the brink, and he must decide whether to protect his family or turn them in to the police.

A Dark Comedy with a Twist

“Arsenic and Old Lace” is a dark comedy that combines murder, mayhem, and hilarity in a way that keeps audiences entertained and guessing. The play explores themes of morality, family loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones. Despite the macabre subject matter, Kesselring manages to infuse the play with witty dialogue and comedic moments that lighten the mood.

The play’s success lies in its ability to balance the dark and comedic elements, creating a unique and memorable experience for the audience. The eccentric characters, absurd situations, and clever wordplay keep viewers engaged and laughing throughout the performance.

Key Takeaways:

• The play explores the theme of morality and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
• Family loyalty is a central theme, as Mortimer must decide whether to protect his family or turn them in to the police.
• The play combines dark and comedic elements to create a unique and entertaining experience for the audience.

“Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.” – Mortimer Brewster

In conclusion, “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a dark comedy that follows the eccentric Brewster family as they navigate a series of murders committed by two sweet old ladies. The play’s witty dialogue, absurd situations, and clever wordplay make for an entertaining and memorable experience. Through its exploration of morality and family loyalty, the play raises thought-provoking questions while keeping audiences laughing. So, grab a glass of elderberry wine (minus the arsenic) and enjoy the delightful madness of “Arsenic and Old Lace.”