A killer comedy where the plot keeps changing…and so do the victims – the Adams State University Theatre Department production, “Deathtrap” opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, on the San Luis Valley Federal Bank Main Stage Theatre, located in the Theatre Building. It runs through a Sunday matinee, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
Written by Ira Levin, in 1978, and directed by School of Visual and Performance Art Director Jenna Neilsen, the comedy “Deathtrap” is the perfect escape from political campaigns and the hustle and bustle of life. “Deathtrap will keep you laughing, gasping and guessing until the final moments. You will also constantly question the characters motives as the victims keep changing. Deathtrap is a one-set, five character, classic thriller of a play within a play with double entendres and switch-backs – I can guarantee there is at least one twist, you won’t see coming.”
Seemingly comfortable in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a string of recent failures and a shortage of funds. When a student in his writing seminar sends him a new script – a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit – Sidney sees an opportunity. With his wife’s help, he devises a plan to “collaborate” with the student, an idea which the younger man quickly accepts. Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness that builds to a still-startling finale.
“Ira Levin is probably best known for his novels, “Rosemary’s Baby,” and Stepford Wives,” said Professor Neilsen. “Deathtrap is the longest running thriller in Broadway history, and it’s funny.” Author Stephen King called “Deathtrap”, the “Swiss watch of thrillers.”
The comedy thriller includes five actors, Chaz Childress, Sidney Bruhl; Javier Rodriguez, Clifford Anderson; Grace Dunn, Myra Bruhl; Max Buxton, Helga ten Dorp; Gabe Garcia, Porter Milgrim. Light design is by Autumn Chacon and Miguel Ochoa is the sound designer. Theatre Assistant Professors Nicholas Holguin and Tim Gross were the fight choreographer and set designer, respectively.
“Deathtrap” begins at 7:30 p.m. October 16, 17, 23 & 24, with a 2 p.m. matinee on October 25. The play runs a little over 2 hours with a 10-minute intermission and includes mild profanity and violence.
General admission tickets are $13 and free to Associated Students and Faculty (AS&F) with current Adams State identification. Tickets may be purchased at theatre.adams.edu, reserved by calling 719-587-8499, or in-person at the box office, from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. AS&F tickets must be reserved through the box office.
