‘Deathtrap’ brings thrills, laughs and surprises to Mars Theatre

To what lengths will a washed-up playwright go to score another literary success?

Find out when Back Alley Productions presents Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap” at the Mars Theatre, 117 N. Chattanooga St. in LaFayette, Ga. Two weekends of performances begin Friday, July 28.

“Deathtrap” tells the story of Sidney Bruhl, a middle-aged playwright who receives a script in the mail from Clifford Anderson, a student at a seminar Sidney led for aspiring playwrights. Sidney immediately recognizes the script as a commercial hit.

Having recently authored a string of flops, Sidney is feeling the pressure to create another success, both for the sake of his reputation and his finances. At his long- suffering wife Myra’s suggestion, Sidney invites Clifford to collaborate with him under the guise of editing the play, while Sidney’s actual plan is to murder Clifford and steal his script. From there, the plot twists and turns, leading to an amusing and unexpected conclusion.

“Levin’s script has a much more comical tone than the average thriller,” explains director Zack Jordan. “Aside from the engaging cat-and-mouse plot, the show also provides an abundance of laughs from the electric cast of sarcastic Sidney, long-suffering Myra, idealistic Clifford and a boisterous Dutch psychic, Helga ten Dorp. Yes, there’s a psychic.

“Deathtrap is first and foremost a comedic thriller, giving audiences an opportunity to be surprised and entertained,” Jordan says. “Beneath the surface, however, it invites viewers to ask themselves to what extent ends justify means and to what lengths would they go in order to be successful.”

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors. They may be purchased 30 minutes before show time at the theater box office, or online at www.BAPshows.com.

Audience members are advised the show contains mild PG-level violence and language, and discussion of adult situations, which may not be appropriate for young children.

For more information: 706-621-9129 or 706-6212907.

From left are Matthew Mindeman, who plays the idealistic student Clifford, and Kevin Baskette, the burned-out playwright who considers killing Clifford in order to steal his manuscript.

Emily Miller, left, and Rebecca Lapp.