Deathtrap

May 2001

Directed by Jon Bender

Produced by Kathy Morrison

(l-r) Don Bridge, Bruce Spalding, Lisa Cahoon, Trish Rivera, and Mark Baker

May 10, 2001

By Randy Latta

Deathtrap is not a "who-done-it", but a "who-will-do-it-next" and the delightful and surprising twists and turns in this Ira Levin Broadway hit will indeed trap your attention. Made very well known by the 1982 movie starring Michael Caine, "Superman’s" Christopher Reeve, and Dyan Cannon, the Theatre of Dare has cast an uncannily similar ensemble perfectly matched for the roles.

Don Bridge plays the desperately conniving playwright, Sidney, searching for a hit play that will resurrect his fading career. He brings an energetic and physically comedic quality to the performance and his frequently droll exclamations and retorts keep the audience entertained nicely. Don is a real professional and his quick adaptation skills and talent (ask him how long he had to rehearse) show through here yet again.

Lisa Cahoon portrays Don’s frazzled wife, Myra, afraid he might do something foolish to regain his fame; and afraid he might not… She plays a good worry-wort foible for Don’s ruminations (and indeed she should!)

Trish Rivera, last seen in TOD’d "Blithe Spirit" as the wacky Madam Arcati, again reprises her exotic abilities as the psychic Dutch neighbor, Helga Ten Dorp. She is just as outlandish in this role as in the last and her costuming is equally expressive.

The young, good-looking playwright hopeful is played by Mark Baker who also may have agendas other than becoming the new protégé of the once-famous Sydney. Shy and politely introduced at first, he is quite comfortably drawn into a deeper plot. Mark brings athletic energy to his role and keeps the audience wondering if writing is his only quest…

Bruce Spalding as the family lawyer Porter, briskly lubricates the flow of events by stating what is on everybody’s mind, either to their satisfaction or chagrin. His well-dressed performance adds yet another question mark to the story.

The stage is very well done with solid and appropriate furniture and the mostly real weapon artifacts lend believable authenticity to the set. Oh, and the fake blood looked real to me!

Under the direction of Jonathan Bender, "Deathtrap", presented in May will be the final show of the Theatre of Dare’s 10th Anniversary Season. Bender, who has worked with Theatre of Dare previously in technical roles, will take the helm of a TOD production for the first time with this comedy thriller. He studied acting and stagecraft at Virginia Commonwealth University, and worked in several Florida venues as stage carpenter, sound engineer, and lighting designer. In addition Jon traveled as an actor with the Patchwork Players. Currently he has a much more interesting job as a Manteo Police Officer.  "We’d like to see as many people as possible come out for the last show of this season". He added that those who would like to work "behind the scenes" are also encouraged to contact us.