Astoria High School presents ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, November 10, 2021

ASTORIA — The Brewsters are one of the most well-respected families in Brooklyn, but is there more than meets the eye? Find out as a cast of Astoria High School students bring to life the morbidly hilarious tale of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” by Joseph Kesselring.

Performances of the play will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, as well as Nov. 19 and 20, in the school’s newly renovated auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

In this dark comedy, set in 1941, theater critic Mortimer Brewster has fallen for girl-next-door Elaine Harper. When he returns to his family home in Brooklyn to share the news of his engagement with his aunts, Martha and Abby Brewster, he finds an unexpected visitor in the window seat. Enter Mortimer’s eccentric brothers Teddy — who believes he’s President Theodore Roosevelt — and Jonathan, who’s sidekick is a “doctor” that specializes in plastic surgery.

Chock full of unexpected twists and turns, witty repartee and middle-of-the-night mishaps, “Arsenic and Old Lace” is a classic comedy for all ages.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and younger, students and staff.

Face masks must be worn at all times.