Auditions ~ July 15 (Click to Sign Up)
Performances August 27 & 28, 2025
7:00 p.m.
The play is a farcical comedy revolving around the Brewster family, descended from Mayflower but now composed of maniacs, most of them homicidal. The hero, Mortimer Brewster, is a drama critic who must deal with his crazy, murderous family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves, Elaine Harper, who lives next door and is the daughter of the local minister.
His family includes two spinster aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster, 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, Teddy, 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, Jonathan.
The play culminates in a series of farcical situations as Mortimer attempts to hide the bodies, prevent Jonathan from causing further harm, and ultimately get his aunts committed to an asylum so they can be cared for. The play is filled with dark humor, mistaken identities, and witty dialogue, making it a classic of American comedic theatre.
CAST LISTING
Abby Brewster - An elderly 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 of 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 - Very sweet, elderly sister of Abby, but more submissive yet still 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 years. Always wears a high collar.
Mortimer Brewster - Abby and Martha's nephew and brother to both Teddy and Jonathan Brewster. A very likable man, Mortimer is a drama critic who is in love with and engaged to Elaine Harper. A good-hearted cynic who is about to have his world turned upside-down.
Jonathan Brewster - Brother to Teddy and Mortimer. Jonathan is a psychopath who has numerous murders to his credit and no scruples whatsoever. He is creepy. Jonathan is a killer that loves his business and he’s got an unbelievably short temper.
Elaine Harper - Attractive daughter of Rev. 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 - Very likable nephew of Abby and Martha Brewster. Teddy is a man who believes that he is the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt.
Rev. Harper - Elaine's minister father with a sense of polish, refinement, and mild-mannered sensitivity towards others. He is not in favor of Mortimer and Elaine’s relationship.
Officer Brophy - The first police officer we meet in the show, Brophy is a thoroughly likable person. Is making rounds collecting Christmas toys for the needy.
Officer Klein - A Brooklyn officer who makes rounds with Officer Brophy.
Officer O’Hara - He is the quintessential example of an Irish-American police officer: Full of life and good-natured. He is on very good terms with the aunts. O’Hara is a would-be playwright with persistent drive that’s kindled within him once he discovers that Mortimer is a famous dramatic critic. Well-intentioned, O’Hara really doesn’t mean to come across as annoying as he does.
Mr. Gibbs - An elderly gentleman who wishes to rent a room from the Brewster sisters; and nearly falls victim to the sisters “charity”. He is a little gruff, but he warms up fairly quickly upon being offered a treat he hasn’t had since he was a child.
Lieutenant Rooney - Person in charge at the local police precinct. He runs a pretty tight ship and is loud, decisive, and clearly in-charge of every situation.
Mr. Witherspoon - The superintendent of Happy Dale Sanitarium. Very mild mannered and kind.
Those auditioning should prepare at least one of the sides provided below.
More information is provided in the Sign up Link so please read carefully. Click for Audition Sides.
