Audition Dates/Times:

Saturday, May 30, 2026 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Callbacks (if needed): Monday, June 1, 2026 7:00 p.m.

Please sign up for an audition slot here.

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Location:

Mariemont Players – 4101 Walton Creek Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227

 

Audition Requirements:

• Auditions will consist of "warm" readings from the script. Sides can be found here.​

• Please bring a theatrical résumé and headshots are appreciated but not required

• The production team encourages actors of all races, ethnicities, identities, abilities, experience levels, etc. to audition – all are welcome!

• Please contact director Jennifer Day with questions about the script or audition process here.

• If in need of accommodations or questions about accessibility, please contact producer Steve Winslow here.

 

Production Dates:

September 10–27, 2026

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Rehearsal Schedule:

Rehearsals will begin in July and run through the opening.

 

Synopsis:

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 dark comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.

 

Character Breakdown:

These characters collectively create the play’s signature blend of dark comedy and farce, balancing themes of insanity, morality, and family loyalty with humor and absurdity:

• Abby Brewster – One of the elderly Brewster sisters, Abby is outwardly sweet, charitable, and deeply involved in church activities. Beneath her kind demeanor, she participates in poisoning lonely men to give them “peace” in a darkly comedic twist on morality.

• Martha Brewster – Abby’s sister, Martha embodies traditional Victorian charm and old-fashioned values. She shares Abby’s murderous hobby, delivering poisoned wine to unsuspecting men, and maintains a polite, conservative exterior.

• Mortimer Brewster – The play’s protagonist, Mortimer is a theater critic engaged to Elaine Harper. He is intelligent, excitable, and often overwhelmed by his family’s madness. Mortimer discovers his aunts’ crimes and struggles to protect them while confronting his homicidal brother Jonathan.

• Teddy Brewster – Mortimer’s nephew, Teddy is completely delusional, believing himself to be President Theodore Roosevelt. He assists his aunts by digging graves in the basement, thinking he is constructing the Panama Canal.

• Jonathan Brewster – Mortimer’s other brother, Jonathan is a dangerous criminal with a flair for torture and a plan to use the Brewster home for his own nefarious purposes. He is jealous of his aunts’ murderous record and poses a threat to Mortimer.

• Dr. Einstein – Jonathan’s accomplice, who helps him with criminal schemes, including plans for facial alterations and evading the law.

• Elaine Harper – Mortimer’s fiancée and the daughter of Reverend Harper. She represents normalcy and morality, often caught between Mortimer’s family chaos and her own values.

• *Reverend Harper – Elaine’s father, a traditional and cautious minister who initially disapproves of Mortimer’s theatrical interests.

• **Officer Brophy – Brooklyn Police Officer who regularly visits elderly Brewster sisters at their house with his police partner Officer Kline, helping them prepare for their charity work.

• Officer Klein – Police partner of Officer Brophy. Also cares about the Brewster sisters and Teddy and doesn’t like to hear a harsh word about them.

• Officer O’Hara – A police officer who interacts with the Brewsters, often unaware of the dark secrets in the household, contributing to the farcical tension.

• Lt. Rooney – The head of the Brooklyn police force, he seems to be constantly picking up the messes made by his less-than-stellar officers, and is strained, as a result.

• *Mr. Witherspoon – A neighbor and minor character who adds to the comedic confusion surrounding the Brewster family.

• **Mr. Gibbs – Brusque and demanding potential tenant of the Brewster sisters.

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*These two roles may be played by one actor.

**These two roles may be played by one actor.

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Of the 11 male roles in the cast, some are minor bit parts, so some actors may play more than one role.