The Surest Poison

by Kristin Idaszak

Prohibition is in full swing, but New York City is still celebrating New Year’s Eve in style—with a batch of poisoned hooch and an immigrant woman's murder by cyanide. Cue Alexander Gettler, an obsessive chemist whose research helped create the modern field of forensic toxicology. With help from Lipstick, an intrepid flapper and indefatigable reporter who mistakes his laboratory for a speakeasy, Gettler must try...

Prohibition is in full swing, but New York City is still celebrating New Year’s Eve in style—with a batch of poisoned hooch and an immigrant woman's murder by cyanide. Cue Alexander Gettler, an obsessive chemist whose research helped create the modern field of forensic toxicology. With help from Lipstick, an intrepid flapper and indefatigable reporter who mistakes his laboratory for a speakeasy, Gettler must try to catch a murderer and convince the federal government to stop poisoning alcohol. Inspired by the real life work of Gettler and pioneering journalist Lois Long, THE SUREST POISON chronicles the dark side of the noble experiment.

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The Surest Poison

Recommended by

  • Bruce Linser, Jenny Connell Davis, & Palm Beach Dramaworks: The Surest Poison by Kristin Idaszak
    “

    The Surest Poison was one of five finalists that received readings during our annual New Year/New Plays Festival in January of 2021. It's an intriguing exploration of Prohibition, the government coverup of alcohol poisoning, and their impact on immigrants and people of color. Great characters and storytelling with fascinating twists and turns.

    The Surest Poison was one of five finalists that received readings during our annual New Year/New Plays Festival in January of 2021. It's an intriguing exploration of Prohibition, the government coverup of alcohol poisoning, and their impact on immigrants and people of color. Great characters and storytelling with fascinating twists and turns.

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: The Surest Poison by Kristin Idaszak
    “

    A fascinating thriller that uncovers the darker side of experimentation and the death that has been occurring. Well done.

    A fascinating thriller that uncovers the darker side of experimentation and the death that has been occurring. Well done.

    ”
  • Conor McShane: The Surest Poison by Kristin Idaszak
    “

    From the AIDS crisis in the 80s to the Flint Water Crisis of today, our government has a history of laws and practices that cause harm to marginalized communities, whether through neglect or calculated intention. This play shines a light on another example of the powers that be imposing their own morality on the people, regardless of who is hurt in the process. That it does so while also telling a crackling mystery story with engaging characters makes it an incredible feat of playwriting. Highly recommended.

    From the AIDS crisis in the 80s to the Flint Water Crisis of today, our government has a history of laws and practices that cause harm to marginalized communities, whether through neglect or calculated intention. This play shines a light on another example of the powers that be imposing their own morality on the people, regardless of who is hurt in the process. That it does so while also telling a crackling mystery story with engaging characters makes it an incredible feat of playwriting. Highly recommended.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Palm Beach Dramaworks, 2020
  • Reading, Pasadena Playhouse, 2019
  • Reading, Ensemble Studio Theatre, 2018
  • Reading, Shattered Globe Theatre, 2018
  • Commission, EST/The Sloan Foundation,
  • Workshop, The Playwrights Center,

Awards

  • LSU SciArts Playwriting Prize
    Louisiana State University
    Winner
    2019
  • Princess Grace Award
    Finalist
    2019