It’s time for murder, mayhem and mystery at the Millbrook Playhouse
MILL HALL, PA – Beginning on Friday, Oct. 22 Millbrook Playhouse will present the classic thriller Deathtrap by Ira Levin on the Ryan Main Stage.
Deathtrap follows the story of playwright Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, who is struggling to overcome a dry spell that has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college—a thriller which Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit. Sidney’s plan, which he devises with his wife’s help, is to offer collaboration to the student, an idea which the younger man quickly accepts. After that, suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness and with such an abundance of thrills and laughter that audiences will be held enthralled until the final, startling moments of the play.
Written in 1978, Deathtrap holds the record for longest-running comedy-thriller on Broadway. It was an immediate hit and was nominated that year for the Tony Award for “Best Play.” Levin also authored Rosemary’s Baby, The Boys from Brazil, and The Stepford Wives.
Morgan Sills, the craftsman behind Millbrook’s hit productions of Sexy Laundry, Wait Until Dark, Steel Magnolias, and Dial M for Murder, directs the production. In the central role of Sidney Bruhl is Matthew Tyler making his Millbrook debut, alongside another newcomer, Sean Gregory, as the up-and-coming writer Clifford Anderson. After last appearing as Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, Aubrey Potash will take on the character of Myra Bruhl, Sidney’s suspicious wife. Rounding out the cast is Miki Rebeck as Helga ten Dorp and Frank Franconeri (Millbrook’s Popcorn Falls, Gaslight, To Kill a Mockingbird) as Porter Milgrim.
The production team includes Set Design by Tyler Schank, Costume Design by Mo Morehead, Lighting and Sound Design by Tyler Linsley, Props Design by V.C. Deener, and the Fight Choreographer is Danial Burke. The Production is Stage Managed by Meg Rosenberg.
Deathtrap is appropriate for ages 17 & up and will be performed in two acts. Performances are October 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, and 30 at 7:30 pm, and Matinees are October 24, 27, and 30 at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices are as follows $27.50 – $25.00 for adults, $23.50 – $21.25 seniors/veterans tickets, $18.25 – $16.50 for students and $12.50 – $11.50 for Youth. Discounts are available for the Budget Seating area as well as weekend matinees and Wednesday evenings. You can purchase tickets by calling 570-748-8083, online at www.millbrookplayhouse.org, or by coming to the box office any day of the week. Box Office hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and one hour before showtimes.
NOTE: For the safety of our staff, patrons, and guests, all patrons are required to wear masks while in the building regardless of vaccination status, including while you are seated in the theater. At this time, food and drinks will not be permitted but can be enjoyed in the open-air courtyard before the show. If you are uncomfortable with your seating arrangements in the theater, please let our staff know, and we will reseat you in another area. Social distancing may be enforced, and we will be taking all precautions possible in accordance with current CDC guidance on the day of the event. At this time, patrons are not required to show proof of vaccination, but that policy is subject to change depending on current CDC or PA Department of Health guidance. Attendance of any event may increase your risk of contracting an illness such as Covid-19. As such, attendance acknowledges that risk and an agreement to release Millbrook Playhouse of any liability should you or anyone in your party be diagnosed with an illness. Please do not attend the event should you not feel well or have recently been sick – if this is the case, we encourage you to contact our Box Office to make alternate arrangements.
