**** Recommended Deathtrap is the first production of the summer season for Dunes Summer Theatre, and it’s a good one. Deathtrap is a mystery with lots of plot twists and turns. I don’t want to give anything away, so this review is intentionally vague. You don’t want to miss this one! 4 Spotlights
Sidney Bruhl (Kevin Lee Giese) is an aging playwright famous for his complicated murder mysteries, especially his Broadway hit, Murder Game. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had even a germ of an idea for a new play in years.
Jann Iaco, Kevin Lee Giese, Michael Bond in Deathtrap. Photo by Tony Martin
Then he gets an unsolicited script for a play from a student at his summer seminar at the university. When he mentions it to his wife, Myra (Jann Iaco), she suggests working with the student, maybe even a collaboration. Sydney gets an acquisitive gleam in his eye, so he calls the student, invites him over to ‘discuss’ the script.
While they’re waiting, Myra mentions that they have a new neighbor across the way, Helga ten Dorp, a famous TV psychic. Without ever meeting her, Sydney declares she’s a fraud.
Jann Iaco, Kevin Lee Giese, Michael Bond
Clifford Anderson (Michael Bond) turns out to be a handsome young man. As Sydney requested, he brought the only other copy of his play (the xerox machine at the library was broken) and all his notes.
As you watch this play, remember one thing - nothing and no one is what it seems to be.
Janet Davies & Kevin Lee Giese in Deathtrap. Photo by Tony Martin
- Is Sydney Bruhl a mentor or an evil genius?
- Is Myra an ordinary wife or a financial wizard?
- Are all those weapons on the walls real?
- Is Clifford Anderson as naïve as he presents?
- Is Helga ten Dorp (Janet Davies) as ditzy as she appears? Or does she really scent danger?
- Is Porter Milgrim (Steven Kozelka) just an attorney?
Janet Davies in Deathtrap. Photo by Tony Martin
Deathtrap runs through June 14th at Dunes Summer Theatre, 288 Shady Oaks Drive, Michigan City. Patio opens at 6:00 pm on Friday & Saturday, 2:00 pm on Sundays. Parking is free.
Running time was approximately 2 hours, 45 minutes, with an intermission. Performances: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets range from $15-$35. FYI 219-879-7509 or https://dunesarts.ludus.com/index.php
Next up at Dunes Summer Theatre: Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune opens June 25th.