Strongsville Community Theatre is pleased to announce auditions for our upcoming production of ARSENIC & OLD LACE! Written by: Joseph Kesselring Directed by: Lindsay Pier Auditions: Saturday, Nov. 22nd 1:00-3:00pm at the Strongsville Senior Center. Please arrive at 1:00 pm. Rehearsals: Monday-Thursday 7:00-10:00pm at Strongsville High School Little Theater, to begin in mid-January Performances: Feb. 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30pm and Feb. 22 & March 1 at 2:00pm at Strongsville High School Little Theater AUDITIONS Saturday, Nov. 22nd 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Strongsville Senior Center 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, OH 44136 strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com/auditions<http://strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com/auditions> <http://strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com/auditions> Auditions will consist of reading selected script passages. (DOWNLOAD AUDITION SIDES)<https://www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com/_files/ugd/fae884_84d25147ab584902bfe331903f6e2133.pdf> Please bring a headshot and resume, if available. If you are unable to attend the auditions in-person or if you have any questions, please contact our director, Lindsay Pier at lindsaypier@hotmail.com<mailto:lindsaypier@hotmail.com>. ABOUT THE SHOW A timeless hit, both on Broadway and in the West End, Arsenic and Old Lace is the amusing story of two charming elderly ladies who decide that by poisoning their poor, lonely lodgers and burying the bodies in their cellar, they are saving these unfortunates from the sorrows of this world – however, not everybody shares their views! Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police – not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage – it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family. CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS Abby Brewster (50-70) A darling lady, and the very model of Victorian charm and grace, who poisons elderly gentlemen, with her sister as an act of charity. She and her sister Martha seem to be the absolute embodiment of the values and polite society of a bygone age. More dominant, and a bit older than Martha, both ladies are happy, healthy, lucid, and spry. The Aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer. Martha Brewster (50-70) Very sweet, but more submissive than Abby. Martha still is a strong woman. She and her sister have lived together for many, many years. Their personalities and pecking order around each other have been firmly rooted for eons. Always wears a high collar. The Aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer. Mortimer Brewster (30-50) Nephew of Abby and Martha, brother to both Teddy and Jonathan Brewster. Mortimer is a drama critic who is in love with and engaged to Elaine Harper. Very likable. A good-hearted cynic who is about to have his world turned upside down. Mortimer is the only Brewster who is relatively sane. Elaine Harper (25-40) The daughter of Rev. Dr. Harper, and Mortimer’s fiancée. She is surprisingly wise in the ways of the world for a minister’s daughter. She is a little bit wily, sassy, and absolutely sharp. Teddy Brewster (40-60) Very likable, kindhearted brother to Mortimer and Jonathan, Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster. Teddy is a mentally ill man who believes that he is the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. Jonathan Brewster (40-60) Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, brother to Teddy and Mortimer. Jonathan is a psychopath, wanted murderer who is running from the law. He has had botched plastic surgery and now looks like Boris Karloff. Dr. Einstein (45-55) A failed plastic surgeon and alcoholic. Dr. Einstein has changed Jonathan’s face three times, successful only in deforming his appearance. He speaks with a heavy German accent. The Reverend Dr. Harper (50-70) The minister to the church next door to the Brewster house. Dr. Harper displays a sense of polish, refinement, and mild-mannered sensitivity towards others. He is not in favor of Mortimer and Elaine’s relationship. Officers Brophy and Klein (25-45) Police officers making rounds collecting Christmas toys for the needy. They regularly visit the Brewster home for tea and cookies. Mr. Gibbs (55-80) An elderly gentleman who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters; and nearly falls victim to the sisters' “charity”. Lieutenant Rooney (50s) A tough and dominating police officer. Mr. Witherspoon (55-80) The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium, an institution for the mentally ill.