WELCOME TO CURTAIN CALL!
When I'm putting a slate of shows together for a season, I always look for a good mix of old and new, musical, drama, comedy, etc. I also think back to favorite shows we haven't done for a while. That's where ARSENIC AND OLD LACE fits in!
Back in 2004, we had a fabulous production that kept me and our audiences rolling with laughter. I figured twenty years was a long enough time to bring back a classic.
ARSENIC AND OLD LACE is not only one of Broadway’s funniest plays but is also one of the longest running (#14) and had an equally successful West End (London) run and film adaptation starring Cary Grant. But did you know that the play is based upon a real CT murderer?
Amy Archer-Gilligan was a notorious murderer in CT who likely bumped off 64 people at The Archer Home for Elderly People and Chronic Invalids. You can read all about her by following this link: https://www.history.com/news/arsenic-old-lace-real-murders
While the deaths of those 64 victims is certainly no laughing matter, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE turns the Brewster house upside down with colorful characters and just a few dead bodies. I hope you enjoy your time there...just don't drink the wine!
Coming next in The Dressing Room Theatre is our production of the longest play in the world: AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE MOUSETRAP, February 29 to March 24. Several dates are almost sold out so book your seats before they're gone.
Thanks again for being here, Enjoy the show!
Lou Ursone
Executive Director
Curtain Call, Inc.
ARSENIC & OLD LACE
Written by
Joseph Kesselring
Martha Brewster | Ann Alford | |
Officer Brophy | Kevin Arthur | |
Teddy Brewster | Bruce Crilly | |
Lieutenant Rooney | Michael DiChello | |
Jonathan Brewster | Roger Dykeman | |
Rev. Harper | Phil Garfinkel | |
Mortimer Brewster | Paul Johnson | |
Officer O’Hara | Rob Munro | |
Officer Klein | Chris Nardi | |
Mr. Gibbs | Rick Stewart | |
Elaine Harper | Kathryn Tracy | |
Mrs. Witherspoon | Erin Wallace | |
Abby Brewster | Gail Yudain | |
Dr. Einstein | Ted Yudain |
| Producer | Lou Ursone | |
| Director | John Atkin | |
| Set Design | Martin Marchitto | |
| Lighting Design | Peter Petrino | |
| Costume Design | Robin Mazzola | |
| Props | Meghan Bona | |
| Production Stage Manager | Tori D’Arbanville | |
| Technical Director | Wayne Yeager | |
| Sound Engineer | Bruce MacNair | |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Tiara Starks | |
| Production Assistant | Meghan Connolly |
The entire action of the play takes place
in the living room of the Brewster home
in Brooklyn, NY, circa 1941.
Act I
An afternoon in September
15-minute intermission
Act II
Scene 1: That same night
Scene 2: Later that night
Scene 3: Early the next morning
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Arsenic and Old Lace is presented through
special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
This show and all productions at Curtain Call are produced in
cooperation with The City of Stamford.
Additional support is provided by the CT Office of the Arts,
the CT Office of Economic Development and many individuals,
corporations and foundations.
