You’ll have the whole seat at the Geauga Lyric Theater but, for this production of the murder mystery “Death Trap,” you’ll only need the edge.
You’ll have the whole seat at the Geauga Lyric Theater but, for this production of the murder mystery “Death Trap,” you’ll only need the edge.
The play opens on Sidney Bruhl (Jack Warren), a successful playwright who has lost all elements of his past glory. After being mailed a very promising play entitled “Death Trap” by his former student, Clifford Anderson (Cameron Zona), Sidney contemplates tricking Clifford into sharing billing and, more importantly, the profits. When Clifford agrees to visit Sidney and his wife Myra (Civia Wiesner), Sidney jokes about killing off the budding playwright and stealing the play for himself.
But is he truly joking?
Ira Levin, veteran author of the horror and murder mystery genre, wrote “Death Trap” in 1978. Nominated for a Tony for Best Play, the play ran on Broadway for four years and was adapted into a film in 1982.
A play-within-a-play, Levin’s script – when handled correctly – offers plenty of comedy, engaging mystery, and many clever twists and turns. Under the direction of Art Suskin, GLTG’s “Death Trap” achieves its full potential, so audiences can expect to laugh, gasp and have their jaws practically hit the floor.
Warren is stellar as Sidney. He places power behind every word, delivering each line of dialogue with remarkable authenticity. Not only is his performance believable, it is also disturbing for his movements and speech are laced ever so slightly with malice. Even phone conversations and light-hearted jokes are properly unsettling.
As a perfect counterpoint, Wiesner’s Myra is a comforting and homely presence. She is especially adorable when the character constantly interrupts Sidney and Clifford’s work after promising to remain quiet.
The young writer Clifford is an incredibly complicated character whose complex personality can easily become difficult for an actor. In GLTG’s production, Zona embodies Clifford with apparent ease while deftly tackling the wide range of personalities he is required to portray.
Joining our trio is the Bruhl’s eccentric neighbor, the psychic, Helga Ten Dorp (Emily Stack), and Sidney’s attorney, Porter Milgrim (Winn Douglass). Douglass is both refined and articulate as the law man while Stack is completely the opposite by design. She provides just the right amount of farce as she swirls across the stage with large gestures, a heavy accent and loud psychic interpretations.
Scenic designers Phil Rogers and Karen Porter have exposed A-frame beams hanging above the antique furniture in Sidney’s study. An impressive collection of weaponry and play memorabilia decorate the red and brown walls of the Bruhl’s Connecticut home, with a bar cart in one corner and a fireplace in the other.
Ambient sounds of the fire crackling and thunder booming are provided by Lisa-Marie French while flashes of lightning and warm overhead lighting are designed by Bradley Allen.
Get comfortable on that edge of your seat. You’ll be there for the duration of the show.
This review is supported by a Cleveland State University civic engagement grant.
“Death Trap”
Where: Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, 101 Water St., Chardon
When: Through Oct. 15
Tickets & Info: $8-$15, call 440-286-2255 or visit geaugatheater.org
