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| Brian Bowman as Clifford and David Myers as Sidney in Deathtrap. Photo – Derby Dinner Playhouse. |
Deathtrap
Written by Ira Levin
Directed by Bekki Jo Schneider
Reviewed by Keith Waits
Entire contents are copyright © 2013, Keith Waits. All
rights reserved.
Ira Levin’s Deathtrap
holds the record for being the longest-running comedy-thriller in Broadway
history, and the chief reason is a scenario that manages to be both tricky and
economical. The mix of macabre humor, surprise plot twists and grisly, scary
moments make for a fairly irresistible treat for an audience. It also means
that the less said about the plot the better, so we will leave it at this:
Sidney Bruhl, a highly successful writer of mystery plays, experiences a
serious writer’s block that is only exacerbated by a new script from a young
man named Clifford, who had attended one of Sidney’s seminars. Sidney’s wife,
Myra, is horrified when Sidney seems to begin contemplating the possibility of
killing off Clifford and stealing his brilliant new play to claim as his own.
That Clifford’s play is also called Deathtrap and is repeatedly described as “a one set, five character
thriller” is a knowing wink and a nod to the audience that the action is
operating on two levels: the straightforward thriller story; and ironic,
self-referential commentary on the genre itself.
Derby Dinner’s production delivers the company’s
customary excellence in production design and technical execution. There are
some very specific staging requirements that make this one of the few instances
where an “in-the-round” configuration must be abandoned, but it is the right,
perhaps only, choice, and Ron Riall’s set fits the bill and then some. A very
effective sound design and musical underscore is employed to emphasize the
cinematic nature of the story.
I cannot help but feel that David Myers was somewhat miscast
as Sidney. The Derby Dinner veteran brings his straightforward, robust manner
to a role that requires both deviousness and a more subtle touch than is
managed in this performance. Brian Bowman fares slightly better as Clifford,
capturing the disingenuousness of the character; while Tina Jo Wallace does as
well as she might by the underwritten Myra. Two other characters who appear – a
psychic neighbor named Helga Ten Dorp (Elizabeth Loos) and Sidney’s lawyer,
Porter Milgram (J.R. Stuart) – are delivered in appropriate measure. Ms. Loos is
perhaps a little over-the-top as Helga, but the character is unquestionably
defined by the author in very broad comic terms; while Mr. Stuart was a
pleasant and well-timed presence in a role that is primarily plot device except
for one bright comic scene with Helga.
Deathtrap
ultimately seems a little old-fashioned, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
It’s an example of a kind of entertainment that is rarely seen, a real “they
don’t make 'em like that anymore” experience. As expertly staged as it is here,
it still comes off as more quaint than thrilling. Opening night, the thrills
played more strongly than the comedy; and if you have never seen it, there are
a couple of jump-out-of-your-seat moments that work beautifully.
October 1- November 10, 2013
Derby Dinner Playhouse
525 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, IN 47129
Tickets (812) 288-8281
525 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, IN 47129
Tickets (812) 288-8281
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