Writers’ block has been described as a frustrating, solitary condition in which creative flow suffers a lapse.
The onstage portrayal of an afflicted writer is something much worse in Deathtrap, a clever thriller now playing at the Drayton Festival Theatre.
The cast of five characters navigate an unforeseeable plot in which almost all of the seven deadly sins are dreadfully employed.
The audience is captured in the suspense, though dependent on the surprise value for interest. With some breathers in between, Deathtrap does deliver on the thrill and those moments are audible and tangible throughout the audience.
Deathtrap is about a Broadway playwright, the portentous Sidney Bruhl, who has been unable to sit down at the “Smith Corona” and pen another hit script.
When his young protege Clifford, also of the “thrilleritus malignus” genre, writes a sure-hit wonder, Sidney feels nothing but envy, closely followed by greed. Sidney’s wife Myra is a little too supportive of her husband, misguided by pride and her own frailty. What ensues is mayhem.
The production harbours a play within the play as “Deathtrap” is Clifford’s masterpiece.
Their lawyer and an imposing neighbour who happens to be psychic are the only other characters in the play. They provide some clarification and a lot of comic relief. Between the five players there is enough action and plot twists for a troupe.
Deathtrap was written by Ira Levin in 1978. Levin also wrote the films Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives. Deathtrap was the longest-running thriller in Broadway history, playing four years.
Veteran actor Rob McClure plays Sidney Bruhl as the embittered, affected dried-up writer with polish. He is agile in the often-physical stage moves and delivers witty, “twerpy” lines with energy and flair. Michael Caine played Sidney with more of a smoldering sarcasm in the 1982 film co-starring Christopher Reeve.
Jeffrey Wetsch is the seemingly fresh-faced and innocent Clifford, who plays it so until the incisors flash as his own lust and ambitions are revealed. He was memorable as Mitch in Tuesdays with Morrie from the last Drayton Entertainment season.
Daniela Vlaskalic is the fragile Myra Bruhl. She plays it as seriously and timidly as the role requires, conserving her energy and leaving the wrath for the others.
Valerie Boyle who portrays Helga, is no stranger to Broadway herself, having played Mrs. Brill in Mary Poppins there. She adds a mega-dose of comic relief with her psychic ways and Dutch accent, and her stage presence is triumphant.
Neil Foster plays the lawyer with a typically businesslike demeanour with a quirky edge.
All of the action occurs at the expansive Connecticut country home that belongs to the writer’s wife.
Set and costume designer Allan Wilbee captured the rustic and rich ‘70s style on the set and in wardrobe. From the dial telephone to the battleaxes on the wall, no detail was overlooked. As fight director, Joe Bostick planned the moves that accompany the thrills.
Director Marti Maraden, who worked with the Stratford Festival for almost 30 years, has helmed a complex maze of a plot that is witty and entertaining.
Deathtrap is on stage now through June 21. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com, in person at the Drayton Festival Theatre box office, or by calling 519-638-5555 or toll free 1-855- DRAYTON (372-9866).
