By Erin Knutson

Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) at Studio Stage Door presents Deathtrap, Ira Levin’s 1978 thriller-comedy, directed by Bob McCue. The play was first a Broadway hit, then a 1982 film starring Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine.

“It quickly became and remains to this day one of my all-time favourites. That film was Deathtrap. When I discovered it had also been written as a play, I knew that one day I would either play one of those roles or try my hand at directing it,” said McCue.

Performed by CCT’s cast and crew, the two-act play unfolds on a single set with five characters whose intertwined stories create a suspenseful and comedic narrative.

“With the help of my wonderful wife, Michelle, our producer, Sandy Kay, costume designer and Sandy Ashby, stage manager, I assembled a crew who have been an absolute joy to work with. This production is not to be missed. To borrow the words of Sidney Bruhl, “Even a talented director can’t mess this one up.”

Deathtrap features local talent Patrick Baranowski as Sidney Bruhl, Stephanie Moore as Myra Bruhl, Cade Hine as Clifford Anderson, Elizabeth Ross as Helga ten Dorp, and Dave Prinn as Porter Milgrim, in an ensemble that stays true to the zany narrative.

Together on stage, the cast presents a story of a desperate playwright, an ambitious newcomer, and an unsuspecting wife, drawing the audience into a complex web of murder, deception, psychic twists, and shifting loyalties in McCue’s interpretation.

Exploring themes of betrayal, ambition, and the darker side of creativity, Deathtrap delivers a compelling experience of mystery and intrigue.

Performances run May 28-31 and June 4-6 at Studio Stage Door Theatre, with both matinee and evening shows.

Lead image: Patrick Baranowski and Cade Hine.  Erin Knutson photos

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