Last updated August 28, 2010   

Deathtrap

by Ira Levin

Directed by Rus. Roberts

Performances:  April 9, 10, 16, 17, 18(m), 22, 23, 24, 2010

Successful playwright Sidney Bruhl, struggling to overcome a string of failures and a shortage of funds, invites a taltented young writing student to collaborate with him. His proposition: "Deathtrap. A thriller in two acts. One set, five characters. A juicy murder in Act I, unexpected developments in Act II. Sound construction, good dialogue, laughs in the right places. Highly commercial." But what's Sidney's real motive? And what does the psychic neighbor, Helga Ten Dorp, suspect? Suspense mounts in a plot filled with devilish twists and turns that lead to a final, startling conclusion.

What the reviewers said:

"The intricately fashioned plot contortions brought gasps, the comedy lines drew delighted chortles…" —The Hollywood Reporter.

"Two-thirds a thriller and one-third a devilishly clever comedy…Suspend your disbelief and be delighted. Scream a little. It's good for you." —Cue Magazine.

Cast of characters

• Sidney Bruhl - Erik Esrael
• Myra Bruhl - Cheryl Nye
• Clifford Anderson - Zachary Rushing
• Helga ten Dorp - Susan Jones
• Porter Milgrim - Jerry Turner

For more information, contact the director.

Director

Rus Roberts, who made his directing debut with last season's chilling production of The Vampyre, returns with another suspenseful show. A long-time ACT-or, Rus has appeared onstage in plays ranging from Terra Nova to Gross Indecency. He lives in Corvallis.

Web links

• Deathtrap on wikipedia