Arsenic and Old Lace 1941

Opened: January 10, 1941

Arsenic and Old Lace - 1941 - Broadway History , Info & More

Hudson Theatre (Broadway)
141 W. 44th St. New York, NY

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.

Get Arsenic and Old Lace Email Alerts

Be the first to get ticket offers, news, photos & more.

Review: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at The Barnstormers
by Dan Marois - Jul 14, 2023


Discover the hilarious and charming production of 'ARSENIC AND OLD LACE' at The Barnstormers Theatre. Experience the absurdity and wit of this timeless play as Mortimer Brewster uncovers the darkly funny secrets of his unconventional family. Laugh out loud with this unforgettable comedy!

Review: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Alhambra Theatre And Dining
by Jordan Higginbotham - Mar 28, 2023


Arsenic and Old Lace opened at Alhambra Theatre and Dining on March 24th! The play was written by Joseph Kesselring and published in 1941 and follows the Brewster family including the responsible Mortimer Brewster, the eclectic Teddy Brewster, and the brother Jonathan Brewster, as well as the seemingly innocent aunts Abby and Martha Brewster.

Alhambra Theatre & Dining to Present ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Beginning This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 18, 2023


The hysterical dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace will open at Jacksonville's Alhambra Theatre & Dining on March 23, 2023. Best known through the 1944 film starring Cary Grant and directed by Frank Capra, Arsenic and Old Lace was written in 1939. The play opened on Broadway at the Fulton Theatre on January 10, 1941.

Review: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Court Theatre
by Rachel Weinberg - Sep 11, 2022


What did our critic think of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Court Theatre? Joseph Kesselring's 1941 play ARSENIC AND OLD LACE combines farce, explicitly dark comedy, and a little murder. Director Ron OJ Parson's decision to envision the central Brewster family as a wealthy Black American family gives the play a modern twist.

Photos: Little Theatre of Manchester Presents ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 8, 2022


Little Theatre of Manchester, one of Connecticut's oldest community theatres still in operation, announced today their upcoming production of the beloved dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace. The hilarious play, believed to be based on an infamous series of boarding house murders in Windsor, CT, runs now through February 20, 2022 at the National Historic Landmark Cheney Hall located at 177 Hartford Road in Manchester, CT.

Little Theatre Of Manchester Revives Classic Comedy ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 24, 2022


Little Theatre of Manchester, one of Connecticut's oldest community theatres still in operation, announced today their upcoming production of the beloved dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace. The hilarious play, believed to be based on an infamous series of boarding house murders in Windsor, CT, will run February 4-20, 2022 at the National Historic Landmark Cheney Hall located at 177 Hartford Road in Manchester, CT.

Belmont Theatre Offers Laughs For The New Year with ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2021


Start off the new year with laughter as The Belmont Theatre brings you Arsenic and Old Lace, a comedy in the Grumbacher Studio January 7-9 & 13-16.

Little Theatre of Manchester Announces 2022 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 29, 2021


Little Theatre of Manchester, headquartered in Connecticut's oldest operating theatre, announced today the five productions that will comprise its 2022 calendar, the company's 62nd season.

Theater Stories: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, HEAD OVER HEELS, PLAZA SUITE & More About The Hudson Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2021


Today's Theater Stories features the Hudson Theatre! Learn about shows to have graced the stage of the theatre including Sunday in the Park With George, Head Over Heels, Burn This, American Utopia and more!

West Valley Arts Brings ARSENIC AND OLD LACE To The Stage With Socially Distanced Seating
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2020


West Valley Arts will return to the stage with Arsenic and Old Lace in time to celebrate Fall and Halloween. Arsenic and Old Lace, a dark comedy, runs October 1-26, 2020 at Harman Theatre.

BWW Review: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Upstart Arts
by Andrea Stephenson - Feb 24, 2020


Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace has long been a staple of high school and community theaters ever since playing on Broadway for four straight years from 1941-1944. But for director Michelle Denise Norton of Upstart Arts in York, Arsenic and Old Lace is what passes for a 'new' play. That's because for 20 years, the theater group of which she is the self-described 'creative engine' has been bringing Shakespeare to the York public in parks and on bridges and streets and wherever it's a good idea to bring live theater; namely, everywhere.

Gabriel Ebert and More Complete the Cast of ARSENIC & OLD LACE Starring Kathleen Chalfant, Marsha Mason & Michael Urie
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2020


Keen Company Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein today announced additional cast members to complete the cast for the Gala Benefit Reading of the beloved classic comedy Arsenic & Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, directed by Mr. Silverstein. The one night only event in celebration of Keen's 20th anniversary will take place Monday, February 24th at 7 PM at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

Lilli Cooper, Chuck Cooper, Major Attaway and More Join Keen Company's ARSENIC & OLD LACE Benefit Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2020


Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein today announced additional cast members for the Gala Benefit Reading of the beloved classic comedy Arsenic & Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, directed by Mr. Silverstein featuring an all-star cast. The one night only event in celebration of Keen's 20th anniversary will take place Monday, February 24th at 7 PM at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

Kathleen Chalfant, Michael Urie and More To Star in Keen Company Benefit Reading of ARSENIC & OLD LACE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2020


Keen Company Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein today announced the leads for the Gala Benefit Reading of the beloved classic comedy Arsenic & Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, directed by Mr. Silverstein featuring an all-star cast. The one night only event will take place Monday, February 24th at 7 PM at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues).

Coming Up This Week In Cape May Theatre: ARSENIC AND OLD LACE And THE TAMING
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 27, 2019


If one wishes to see shows at two Equity professional theater companies in Cape May in one week, and save money at the same time, then the 3rd Annual Theater Week from October 2 a?" 6, is just the ticket.

Meet the Cast of East Lynne Theater Company's ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
by Stephi Wild - Sep 16, 2019


Ever wonder how actors living in New York City end up performing at East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May? What does it take to rehearsal a show and bring it to life before an audience? Where are the actors performing after 'Arsenic and Old Lace' closes?

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Returns To East Lynne Theater Company
by Stephi Wild - Sep 5, 2019


Murder! Mayhem! Madcap fun! This side-splitting comedy broke all East Lynne Theater Company box office records in 2018, and returns by popular demand. The production received excellent reviews including from Terry Teachout for 'The Wall Street Journal' who wrote: 'It's hard to imagine a more diverting piece of summer fun than Gayle Stahlhuth's revival of 'Arsenic and Old Lace' at ELTC. It crackles flawlessly.'

BWW Review: ARSENIC AND LACE at Dolphin Theatre
by Monica Moore - Mar 5, 2019


While this is a light-hearted frolic through a well-crafted piece, there is irony in each of the characters and levels of social commentary particularly around the issue of euthanasia. Social status, acceptability and credibility are all well represented.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Inspires Laughter At Livonia Community Theatre
by Julie Musbach - Nov 8, 2018


Two murderous old ladies, a Theodore Roosevelt impersonator, a Boris Karloff look-alike and a theater critic in love come together for an evening of fun and laughter as Livonia Community Theatre presents Arsenic and Old Lace, a comedy by Joseph Kesselring. The show runs November 16-17, 2018 at 7:30 pm, and November 18, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

BWW Review: MAS COMMUNITY THEATRE'S ARSENIC AND OLD LACE IS KILLLER COMEDY at Carrollwood Cultural Center
by Deborah Bostock-Kelley - Oct 28, 2018


Should you ever need to be a lodger in the warm and inviting Brooklyn home of sisters, Abby and Martha Brewster, and you are a male of any age, never admit to being someone without family ties or friends and even more importantly, no matter how delicious the wine is claimed to be, be a teetotaler. Even the tiniest sip of the sister's homemade Elderberry wine should never pass your lips, unless you want an unpleasant surprise and demise.

BWW Interview: Travis W. Walter & Mary Robin Roth of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE at Meadow Brook Theatre Say It's Filled with Laughter and Surprises!
by Katie Laban - Oct 1, 2018


The classic comic face, Arsenic and Old Lace, by Joseph Kesserlring is kicking off Meadow Brook Theatre's 53rd season is opening this week and running through October 28th in Rochester. Two sweet, older ladies who look like they wouldn't hurt a fly have been adding a dash of something special to their elderberry wine - poison. But what happens when their nephew, his fiancee, his uncle (who thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt), and a bunch of other colorful characters come to visit? Hysterical chaos, that's what! BroadwayWorld Detroit had chance to talk with director, Travis W. Walter, and Mary Robin Roth, who plays the role of Abby, about the hilarious Arsenic and Old Lace before it opens this week.

ELTC's ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Breaks Box Office Records
by Julie Musbach - Aug 17, 2018


The award-winning East Lynne Theater Company has seen many successes since its founding in 1980, but none like 'Arsenic and Old Lace.'  Although first produced on Broadway in 1941 by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, Joseph Kesselring's comedy is still the most produced play in this country today. Yes - It' just that good!

East Lynne Theater Company Presents THE SONGS OF WWII
by Stephi Wild - Aug 6, 2018


East Lynne Theater Company, with the sponsorship of The Chalfonte Hotel, presents 'We'll Meet Again: The Songs of World War II,' as the second of a two-part series, Musical Soirees at the Hotels. This musical tour-de-force will be held on Sunday, August 12 at 8:00PM at The Henry Sawyer Room of The Chalfonte Hotel, featuring actress, recording artist, and cabaret performer Patricia Durante.

East Lynne Theater Co. Presents ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2018


Murder! Mayhem! Madcap fun! Meet the Brewsters! The Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company presents 'Arsenic and Old Lace' from July 25 through September 1, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM, at the First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes Street, where ELTC is in residence.

East Lynne Theater Company's 2018 Season Continues In May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2018


The award-winning Equity professional East Lynne Theater Company continues its 2018 Mainstage Season in May.  This year's theme is women reaching for 'The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars.'

Arsenic and Old Lace FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Arsenic and Old Lace have there been?
Arsenic and Old Lace has had 3 productions including Broadway which opened in 1941, Broadway which opened in 1986 and Broadway which opened in 1986.

Videos