By Katherine Beeson
Alex Cullen (Sydney), Christopher Orth (Clifford), Chelsey Hamilton (Myra) in Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “Deathtrap.” Photos by Anne Kenney Photography
Waukesha Civic Theatre continues its 2021-2022 season with "Deathtrap," the play that holds the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway. This production is directed by Mary Rynders. The set was beautifully designed by Evan Crain.
The premise: Sidney Bruhl, a well-known playwright living on his wife's money, is desperate to write another hit. He tells his wife, Myra, that a student, Clifford, has contacted him and sent him a script for a play called "Deathtrap" that is sure to be a big success. After learning that there are only two copies in existence, Sidney invites Clifford (and the original script) to the Bruhl secluded home to collaborate on the play, but it is obvious that Sidney intends to kill Clifford and take credit for the work. Myra unhappily witnesses the murder and helps bury the body.
Bill Kirsch (Porter), Susan Zuern (Helga) in Waukesha Civic Theatre’s “Deathtrap.” Photos by Anne Kenney Photography
The story takes a number of twists and turns from there, but I won't spoil the fun. Just when one thinks all the surprises are over, Levin treats the audience to just one more.
The cast is fine, if a bit strained at times. The two standouts in this cast are Christopher Orth as Clifford and Susan Zuern as Helga ten Dorp, a famous psychic who recently rented a home next door and has amazing talents and uncanny perceptions. Orth is likable and entertaining as the seemingly naive student, while Zuern keeps her character real and never segues into a caricature as she delivers clairvoyant bon mots such as "there is death in this room."
Few playwrights equal the creative genius of Levin, even though describing "Deathtrap" as a true comedy might be a stretch. This show is a wonderful play within a play that also turns around on itself as one of its characters proclaims that the perfect play is "two acts, one set, five characters" -- exactly what this production is.
"Deathtrap" runs through November 7.