Arsenic and Old Lace
by Georgetown Palace Theatre
Jul. 24 - Jul. 25 (2016)
The play is a farcical black comedy revolving around the Brewster family, descended from the "Mayflower," but now composed of insane homicidal maniacs. The hero, Mortimer Brewster, is a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, NY, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves.
His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide; a brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home (which then serve as graves for the aunts' victims; he thinks that they died of Yellow Fever); and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein (a character based on real-life gangland surgeon Joseph Moran) to conceal his identity, and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff (a self-referential joke, as the part was originally played on Broadway by Karloff).
--Wikipedia
Announcing Auditions for Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring.
Directed by Arden Treviño
Auditions will be Sunday July 24th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Monday July 25th from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at the Palace Playhouse.
Performances are: Sept 9 - Oct 2 Friday/Saturdays at 7:30 pm Sundays at 2 pm.
Rehearsals and Performances are located at the Palace Playhouse 817 S Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626
There are roles for 3 women and 11 men. Come audition to be a part of a fabulous cast that will bring to life this delightfully funny production that includes suspense, intrigue, humor, funny characters, and dead bodies.
We'll work hard to play hard and learn from each other along the way.
Auditions are scheduled on-line via the Palace website. You’ll fill out the audition form, conflict calendar, and sign up for a time.
Auditions will consist of group readings from the script. Sign up for a time here.
You'll receive an email confirming your appointment. If you’re unable to attend any of the audition times, please send us an email and we’ll work with you to schedule an alternative time.
Callbacks are by invitation only and will be July 26th on the Palace Mainstage from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.
Please email a headshot and resume to productions@georgetownpalace.com No later than July 22nd.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals are scheduled to begin Monday August 8th. Rehearsals will typically be held Monday through Thursday 7:00-10:00 and Saturday 1:00-5:00.
Background checks: Everyone involved with the production must submit to a background check at the Palace's expense. If you are cast, you'll receive a secure link where you can fill it out. There is no cost to you.
The Georgetown Palace Theatre is 501c3 Non-profit organization. There is no compensation for any of the actors.
Character Description and Audition Sides
(sides are at the bottom)
WOMEN
Abby Brewster A darling lady in her sixties or early seventies who poisons elderly men, Abby is the sister of Martha and aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.
Martha Brewster A sweet elderly woman with Victorian charm who poisons elderly men, Martha is the sister of Abby and an aunt to Teddy, Jonathan, and Mortimer.
Elaine Harper An attractive girl in her twenties and Mortimer’s fiancée, Elaine is the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Harper. She is surprisingly wise in the ways of the world for a minister's daughter.
MEN
Mortimer Brewster Nephew of Abby and Martha, Mortimer is a drama critic who is engaged to Elaine. A good-hearted cynic who is about to have his world turned upside down.
Teddy Brewster Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, Teddy is a man in his forties who thinks that he is Theodore Roosevelt.
Officer O'Hara A police officer, O’Hara is a would-be playwright who pesters Mortimer to read his play.
Jonathan Brewster Nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster, Jonathan is a psychopath who has numerous murders to his credit and no scruples whatsoever. a bit oversensitive to his "new" appearance.
Dr. Einstein A plastic surgeon and an alcoholic in his fifties, Dr. Einstein has changed Jonathan's face three times, with his most recent work resulting in a Boris Karloff resemblance.
The Rev. Dr. Harper Minister and father of Elaine. A bit pompous and protective, very ministerial in his manner.
Officer Brophy A flatfoot Brooklyn cop with the usual charm of a police officer
Lieutenant Rooney A tough and dominating police officer
Mr. Gibbs A man who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters.
Mr. Witherspoon The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium
