Review: Arsenic And Old Lace By Joseph Kesselring

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring is a classic play full of dark comedy and suspense. It tells the story of two elderly sisters who offer unwitting victims cups of elderberry wine laced with arsenic. This timeless play manages to balance hilarity, horror and sentimentality in a truly remarkable way.

The performances are superb and the dialogue is witty and clever. All in all, Arsenic and Old Lace is an absolute delight that will have you laughing out loud one moment and holding your breath the next. If you’re looking for a unique theatrical experience, then look no further. Arsenic and Old Lace is sure to leave you spellbound! Read on to find out why…

Table of Contents

Arsenic and Old Lace Review

Arsenic and Old Lace is a timeless classic written by Joseph Kesselring. It is a dark comedy about two sweet old ladies whose hobby of helping lonely old bachelors find peace has taken on a whole new meaning.

Key Features:

1. A classic dark comedy written by Joseph Kesselring

2. Follows the story of two elderly spinster sisters who have an unusual hobby of helping lonely old bachelors find peace

3. Filled with wit, humor, and edge-of-your-seat suspense

4. Captures the essence of murder mystery, black comedy, and romantic farce

For fans of murder mysteries, Arsenic and Old Lace is a must-see! This classic play offers a humorous yet sinister look at two seemingly sweet but slightly mad sisters who believe their hobby of helping lonely old bachelors to their eternal rest is necessary for society’s greater good. With its witty dialogue, captivating characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this cleverly crafted masterpiece will keep you guessing until the very end!

Product Details

Product	Arsenic and Old Lace
Author	Joseph Kesselring
Publisher	Dramatic Publishing
Publication Date	July 1, 1939
Genre/Format	Play/Comedy
Page Count	96 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0790743945	ISBN-10: 0790743949
Language	English

Arsenic and Old Lace Pros and Cons

Arsenic and Old Lace– Pros:

A classic black comedy with a timeless message.

The cast of actors is excellent and the production values are top-notch.

Joseph Kesselring’s script is witty, clever, and oftentimes laugh-out-loud funny.

It features some of the most memorable characters in American theatre, including the eccentric Brewster family.

Cons:

The play can become confusing at times due to its complex plot and multiple characters.

Some may find its dark humor off-putting.

Arsenic and Old Lace, by Joseph Kesselring, is a classic black comedy that has been delighting audiences for over 70 years. This masterpiece follows the Brewster family as they attempt to cover up their murderous activity while also dealing with their own eccentricities. The cast of actors is superb, the production values are top-notch, and Joseph Kesselring’s script is filled with wit, intelligence, and plenty of hilarity. Whether you’re a fan of theatre or just looking for a good laugh, Arsenic and Old Lace will not disappoint!

Who are They for

Arsenic and Old Lace, a classic comedy by Joseph Kesselring, is an absolute must-have for any fan of theatre. The play follows the Brewster family, a charming but definitely off-kilter family in Brooklyn who have been embalming bodies with arsenic in their cellar! The antics that ensue are hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time.

This edition of Arsenic and Old Lace includes both the original play script as well as an introduction from Martin Gottfried. It’s a perfect way to revisit this classic comedy, or discover it for the first time.

The dialogue is witty, sharp and full of references to both pop culture and current events. This makes it a great read even decades after its debut. Joseph Kesselring’s writing style is highly entertaining and humorous, making it an enjoyable experience for all audiences.

Whether you’re a fan of theatre or just looking for a good laugh, Arsenic and Old Lace is sure to hit the mark! Pick up your copy today!

My Experience for Arsenic and Old Lace

I was looking for a good laugh and I found it with Arsenic and Old Lace! This classic comedy by Joseph Kesselring is jam-packed with hilarity, making it the perfect way to spend an evening. It tells the story of two spinster sisters who have decided to help out their local elderly population – by poisoning them with arsenic! Of course, things don’t go according to plan and the ensuing chaos that follows is sure to make you chuckle.

I love how this play includes elements of mystery, romance, and suspense, as well as its sharp wit. The dialogue has been written so cleverly that it’s full of meaningful jokes and puns. I especially enjoyed how each character had his/her own unique voice that made it easy to distinguish between them all.

The set design was also very impressive; I felt like I was actually in the same room as the characters! The costumes were great too; they really added a lot of realism and charm to the production. All in all, Arsenic and Old Lace is a fantastic show that will keep you laughing from start to finish. Highly recommended for anyone looking for some lighthearted entertainment!

What I don’t Like

1. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic play, but it may not be suitable for younger audiences.
2. The play contains dark humor that some people may find offensive.
3. It has a convoluted plot with lots of twists and turns, which can make it difficult to follow.
4. It is not a musical, so there is no singing or dancing in the show.
5. The use of arsenic in the play may cause controversy due to its associations with poisonings in history.
6. Arsenic and Old Lace requires a large cast and crew to produce – more than most plays do.
7. It is set in an older time period, so costumes and sets are costly to create or rent out.
8. Some of the characters have heavy accents which could be difficult for actors to perfect without extensive rehearsal time.
9. Its length – at two and a half hours – might be too long for some viewers to sit through comfortably.
10.Arsenic and Old Lace contains mature themes such as death, suicide, murder, and moral ambiguity, so it may not be suitable for all audiences.

How to Create a Hilarious Play Using Arsenic and Old Lace

Creating a hilarious play using Joseph Kesselring’s dark comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace, can be an entertaining experience for everyone involved. From the audience members to the actors, Arsenic and Old Lace is sure to bring plenty of laughs and thrills. Here are some tips on how to create a successful production of this classic work.

Start with the Script: Before beginning any rehearsals, read through Arsenic and Old Lace. Familiarize yourself with the characters and storylines so that you can make informed decisions about casting and designing your show.
Choose Your Cast: Once you have thoroughly read the script, it’s time to cast your show. Make sure that each actor fits the character they are playing well – their mannerisms, physicality, and personality should all match what you imagined when reading the script.
Rehearse: Now that you have your cast in place, it’s time to start rehearsing. Rehearsals will allow your actors to become more comfortable with their lines while helping you refine blocking and stage directions. Make sure that everyone is familiar with their lines so that they can focus on bringing their characters to life during performances.
Design Your Show: The final step in creating your production of Arsenic and Old Lace is designing your show. This includes everything from choosing costumes and props to constructing the set. Make sure that all these elements come together to tell the story of your production.

By following these steps, you can create an unforgettable production of Joseph Kesselring’s classic comedy, Arsenic and Old Lace. With a strong script, a talented cast, thoughtful direction, and creative design choices, you can transport your audience into this zany world full of laughs!

Questions about Arsenic and Old Lace

What is Arsenic and Old Lace?

Arsenic and Old Lace is a 1944 play by Joseph Kesselring. It follows the antics of two elderly spinster aunts, who have taken to killing lonely old men with elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and “just a pinch” of cyanide. The killer aunts’ nephews struggle to keep their homicidal relatives under control while trying to woo the women they love.

Is Arsenic and Old Lace appropriate for children?

No, Arsenic and Old Lace is not appropriate for children due to its dark themes and violence. The play contains adult language, mature subject matter, and potentially disturbing scenes that may be unsuitable for younger audiences.

Where can I watch Arsenic and Old Lace?

You can purchase Arsenic and Old Lace on DVD or Blu-ray from Amazon or other online retailers. You can also find versions of the play streaming on various sites such as YouTube, Vudu, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple iTunes, FandangoNOW, Microsoft Store, Redbox On Demand, Hoopla Digital, DIRECTV, and more.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.