'Deathtrap:' A murderous game of musical chairs

SPRING HILL - "Deathtrap" has all the basic components of a great thriller - murder, innocent dialogue with hidden sinister meanings, and many twists and turns in the plot that keep you on edge waiting to see how it will finally shake out.

Directed by Dr. Dalton Benson, "Deathtrap" opened Thursday at Stage West in The Forum Theatre, and plays weekends through Oct. 18. It is probably playwright Ira Levin's most well known play, and still holds the record of being the Broadway's longest running comedy thriller since it debuted in 1978.

Many may remember the highly successful 1982 film adaptation starring Christopher Reeve, Micahel Caine, and Dyan Canon.

"Deathtrap" is a little bit edgier than the shows we normally do on our Main Stage," said Dr. Benson. "I feel that the smaller Forum Theatre is perfect for this type of show."

Ira Levin's murder comedy is about a once highly successful drama writer, Sidney Bruhl, whose last several productions have flopped at the box office big time. Played by Peter Clapsis (the King in "The King and I"), Bruhl is desperate for another big success. The question is - how far he will go to have a hit play?

We soon find out.

Bruhl teaches at the local university and one of his talented students, Clifford Anderson (Michael Benson, last seen as John Udderson in "Jekyll and Hyde") writes a stage thriller entitled "Deathtrap."

Bruhl tells his wife, Myra (Karen Doxey, Lady Thiang in "The King and I") that the play is absolutely brilliant. He decides to pass the script off as his own, so he concocts an elaborate murder plot where he will invite Anderson to his home with an offer to help him rewrite the script, but instead will murder him, and take all the credit. What follows is a complicated game of murderous musical chairs. Add the nosy next door neighbor, a psychic, Helga ten Dorp, (Linda Dilts-Benson, Betty Meeks in "The Foreigner") famous for helping the police solve murders, and we have one of the most delightful plays ever written. Even Bruhl's attorney, Porter Milgrim, (Jim Hanson, John Hancock in "1776) can't separate fact from deception.

Dr. Benson is very confident of the professionalism of his cast. All are seasoned performers, and bring their own interpretations of their characters to the mix.

When asked how challenging it is to direct his wife and son, he commented that "Michael is very talented, and Linda is a fabulous character actor. So they make it easy."

"Deathtrap" has been an audience favorite for years. Dr. Benson says that the audience will be on the edge of their seats most of the time, trying to second guess the next move. "Each time we think we know what is going to happen next," says Benson, "we get proved wrong. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to be shocked."

"Last year, all shows in the Forum were sold out, and if that continues, Dr. Benson says they may add additional shows for "Deathtrap." Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and show time is 8 p.m. The Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Stage West Community Playhouse is located at 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. The box office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and one hour before each show.

Tickets are $10. For more information, call the theatre box office at 352 683-5113.