Family dysfunction gets a murderous twist in this dark comedy. Portland Stage is pleased to present “Arsenic and Old Lace” by Joseph Kesselring with previews Tuesday, Jan. 24 through Thursday, Jan. 26 and opening night on Friday, Jan. 27. The Brewster sisters will be running their “room-for-rent” business out of their home through Sunday, Feb. 19.

Mortimer Brewster has it all figured out: he’s a successful theater critic, is engaged to a minister’s daughter, and visits his aunts in Brooklyn whenever he can. Everything seems to be in perfect place, until he finds a dead man hidden in his aunt’s window seat. Mortimer worries that his mentally ill brother Teddy is to blame (who believes himself to be the Teddy Roosevelt), but when his aunts confess to the crime, along with a few others, he is sent reeling. Later that night, Mortimer’s cruel older brother Jonathan shows up, on the run from the cops with a plastic surgeon in tow, ready to give him another new face. As the moon rises, the two brothers square off in this madcap black comedy about murder, mania, and what it means to be family.

The cast, directed by Paul Mullins. is composed of Maureen Butler as Abby Brewster, Will Rhys – The Rev. Dr. Harper/Mr. Gibbs/Lt. Rooney; James Patefield – Teddy Brewster; Christine McMurdo-Wallis – Martha Brewster; Ross Cowan as Mortimer Brewster; John Keabler as Jonathan Brewster; Leighton Bryan – Elaine Harper; John Shuman as Dr. Einstein; and Daniel Noel as Officer O’Hara/Mr. Witherspoon.

Set Designer for the show is Brittany Vasta; lighting designer – Michael Gianitti (Member of United Scenic Artists); costume design by Hugh Hanson; and sound design by Chris Fitze.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” is a hilarious farce following the oft insane Brewster family over the course of one evening. Despite the horrifying turns of bodies showing up and loveable aunts confessing to murder, the Brewster house is filled with zany, heartwarming charm. However, when the prodigal Jonathan arrives, things take a dark turn. Jonathan poses a real danger, but also a possible solution for Mortimer’s worries. As the night becomes the day, relationships are put to the test in this fast-paced comedy.

Buy tickets in person at 25A Forest Avenue, Portland, through the box office: 207-774-0465 or www.portlandstage.org/tickets.

Special event! Maine crime writers staged readings

In conjunction with Portland Stage’s production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” affiliate artists and other local actors will read selections from the work of Maine crime writers on Monday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. This is a pay-what-you-can event preceded by a complimentary reception at 6:30. This one-of-a-kind evening will offer some juicy excerpts of the latest crime novels from some of Maine’s favorite crime writers such as Gerry Boyle, Brenda Buchanan, Paul Doiron, Chris Holm and Julia Spencer-Fleming.