Arsenic and Old Lace at Manatee Performing Arts Center

Get ready for a delightfully dark night of laughter with Arsenic and Old Lace, the classic comedy that has been entertaining audiences for generations. Written by Joseph Kesselring, this fast-paced farce blends mystery, mayhem, and outrageous humor into one unforgettable theatrical experience. The story follows Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who discovers that the sweet, elderly aunts who raised him have a rather unusual hobby—poisoning lonely old men and burying them in the basement as an act of “charity.” As Mortimer struggles to protect his fiancée, manage his increasingly chaotic family, and keep the bodies from piling up, the situation spirals into a hilarious whirlwind of mistaken identities, secrets, and nonstop comedy. Packed with eccentric characters, clever dialogue, and laugh-out-loud moments, Arsenic and Old Lace is a timeless comedy that proves even the most polite households can hide the most outrageous secrets. Join us for an evening of classic theatre that is equal parts charming, suspenseful, and hilariously wicked.