Deathtrap, the 1978 play by Ira Levin is considered a major Broadway hit. It’s a play within a play, with all the elements of a murder mystery and horror: deceit, dialogue that has double meaning, multiple murders, and plot twists. It was adapted into a movie in 1982, starring Michael Caine, Dyan Cannon and Christopher Reeve.
The play tells of playwright Sidney Bruhl (Ashley Wright), who has dried up and is out of ideas. He is experiencing the biggest writer’s block of his career. His wife Myra (Natascha Girgis), is encouraging, telling him that he just has to keep at it. But Sidney was sent a new script from a former student of one of his workshops, and he thinks it is worth killing for. He invites young playwright Clifford Anderson (Justin Stadnyk) to come to their isolated house to go over it. The evening is interrupted by the psychic neighbour Helga ten Dorp (Elinor Holt) who predicts a death in the evening. The second act introduces us to Sidney’s lawyer Porter Milgram (Robert Klein). The play twists and turns and it’s quite well done, but it gets tired well into the second half.
Stage West’s production of Deathtrap features all the elements of a great play. Fun and thoughtful direction from Mark Bellamy, stellar performances from the whole cast, especially Girgis as Myra, playing the loving and nervous wife to a potential murderer. Holt really hams it up as the medium who lives next door. It is also Wright’s Stage West debut and he holds centre stage firmly as the focus of the play.
Anton de Groot’s set and production design, with an entire weapon collection on display and posters on the walls, illustrates the wild narrative that is Deathtrap. Kris Mish’s lighting design plays right along and Deitra Kalyn’s costume design defines each character and how we perceive them. Zach Coulter’s sound design also is a huge element in ensuring scenes are filled with suspense.
Stage West’s production of Deathtrap is solid, with all the elements of a compelling production. The story just goes a little far with its twists and the mystery runs a bit long.
You can still catch Deathtrap at Stage West until November 10th. Tickets and more information are available online.
Photo credit to John Watson.