Running through Dec. 7, freeFall Theatre’s production of Deathtrap is masterfully constructed and deeply entertaining.
Photo by Thee Photo NinjaINT. SIDNEY BRUHL’S STUDY – DAY.
Sidney Bruhl, a playwright years removed from his successful heyday, peruses a script written by a former student, Clifford Anderson, that has the makings of a smash hit. His wife, Myra Bruhl, encourages mentorship and collaboration, but Sidney has something more sinister in mind.
Ira Levin’s Deathtrap is a masterpiece. It remains Broadway’s longest-running thriller, whose tension is not “whodunit,” but rather “who’s gonna do it.” Deathtrap is a single-set, five-character thriller about a play within a play. In the study of Sidney and Myra Bruhl’s Westport, Connecticut home, a playwright (Eric Davis), his wife (Natalie Symons), a protégé (Robert Teasdale), a psychic neighbor (Sara DelBeato), and an attorney (John Lombardi) converge with conflicting agendas and motives. Murder(s) may (or may not) ensue.
“Retro pastiche”
Deathtrap has a retro pastiche, both charmingly nostalgic and very meta. We are transported to an analog era of landlines and busy signals. Here, isolation – real or perceived – is possible and the play’s plotted plausibilities depend upon it. Any insider knowledge you as an audience member bring on theater or literature unlocks other levels of understanding, satisfying but not necessary to enjoy the ride. While not particularly complicated or heady, Deathtrap is masterfully constructed and deeply entertaining.
One of the great attributes of the always-entertaining freeFall Theatre is its versatility. Every time you enter the black box, you enter a new world, a fully realized vision with the highest possible production values tailored to each specific event. Deathtrap is a refreshingly theatrical experience. The play was both written and set in 1978, and the freeFall production brings it to life with the same theatrical toolbox of 47 years ago. A realistic and immersive set by Hansen Scenic, outstanding lighting design by Tom Hansen, and a thrilling cinematic sound design by Eric Davis provide everything the play needs. There is something so satisfying about practically executed jump-scares (with credit to stage manager Daniel LeMien for calling a tight show) and spending two hours in the theater of yesteryear.
Timing is Everything
Deathtrap is in the very best hands with director Matthew McGee. McGee is a horror aficionado and lover of theater legacy. Most importantly, he understands timing. Timing is imperative in comedies and in thrillers, and Deathtrap is both. Deathtrap is quite funny, and the twists will really get you when done right. And, in this production, they are done right. A collective surprise — the gasps, the giggles, the chatter during intermission — is a delight of live theater not to be taken for granted. Deathtrap at freeFall Theatre combines a brilliant script with an excellent cast and superb world-building for an escapist and enjoyable experience.
See Deathtrap at freeFall Theatre
Deathtrap, freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Through Dec. 7: Thurs.-Sat., 7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. No show on Thanksgiving. freefalltheatre.com, 727-498-5205.
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