April 4-20, 2008

Be prepared for an exciting departure from the usual “whodunit” when you enter into the mystery thriller Deathtrap, now playing at the Wimberley Playhouse. This deliciously clever play keeps yo on the edge of your seat with its many creative twists and unexpected turns. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, you’re jolted with the unexpected.

The underlying question is: How far is a playwright willing to go to get that perfect script and get back into the world of theatre? Sidney Bruhl, living deep in the Connecticut woods with his ailing wife, Myra, is suffering severely from writer’s block. A talented former student of his, Clifford Anderson, shows up with a well-written script that Sidney is “dying” to get his hands on.

The next-door neighbor, a psychic named Helga Ten Dorp, enters from time to time and increases the suspense with her extra-sensory perceptions of what is happening. Sidney’s lawyer, Porter Milgrim, also arrives and adds tension to the scene.  

Put these five characters into the witch’s kettle and stir them carefully. You will come out with a mystery thriller, a play full of cat and mouse. Audiences will see some new flavors stirred into this production, especially in terms of lighting and sound. Most plays utilize music before, after, and as transitions surrounding the action. But “Deathtrap” music will be heard under many scenes, much like a movie.

Deathtrap was written by Ira Levin, novelist and playwright famous for Rosemary’s Baby, The Stepford Wives and The Boys from Brazil. It debuted in Baltimore in 1978 and became the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway. The movie Deathtrap (1982) starred Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon.

Jay Jennings, director of the play, is a twenty-five year veteran of Texas State University. He teaches movement and acting and has directed or choreographed over 40 productions at the university. His latest production, The Rocky Horror Show, broke all box office records. Pam Shultz, producer of Blithe Spirit, is back at the Playhouse to produce Deathtrap, and Gina McClure, board member and frequent actor, is assistant director. Scott Wade, set and scene designer, has performed on drums and percussion for several shows and has composed and performed numerous original scores for plays directed by Jay Jennings. His unusual art can be seen at www.dirtycarart.com.

David Bisett, director of Marvin’s Room and star of Man of La Mancha at the Playhouse, heads the cast as flailing playwright Sidney. Melinda Ellisor, recently seen as sister Lee in Marvin’s Room, returns to the Players stage as Myra. Clint Williams plays aspiring playwright Anderson; Terri Burney Bisett, former treasurer of the Players and frequent actor, is psychic Ten Dorp; and David Harrison completes the cast as Milgrim.