Joseph Kesselring (1902–1967) was an American playwright and former music teacher whose work became a staple of American comedy theatre. Born in New York City, he initially pursued a career in music education before turning his focus to writing for the stage in the 1930s. His most famous play, Arsenic and Old Lace, premiered on Broadway in 1941 and ran for an impressive 1,444 performances, earning its place as one of the most enduring farces in theatrical history. Known for its blend of dark humor, eccentric characters, and rapid-fire dialogue, the play was later adapted into a popular film directed by Frank Capra. Kesselring went on to write several other plays, but Arsenic and Old Lace remains his lasting legacy and a favorite of theatres around the world.