BWW Reviews: Enjoy a Fun Evening of Suspense with Spotlight Theatre's DEATHTRAP!

Spotlight Theatre Company is proud to present Ira Levin's classic comedy-thriller, DEATHTRAP playing now through May 3rd. After a series of failures, Broadway playwright Sidney Bruhl is getting desperate. When former student Clifford Anderson arrives with what could be a Broadway hit, a deadly plan begins to form. With his wife's help, Sidney just might turn Clifford's sure-fire hit into his own! The suspense mounts as the plot twists and turns with such devilish cleverness that audiences will be held enthralled until the final startling moments. From the author of Rosemary's Baby, The Boys From Brazil and Veronica's Room, Deathtrap is full laughter and thrills!

I have to say that I was quite impressed by this talented cast and crew bringing so much to this classic and complicated mystery, making it a fun evening of thrills and intrigue. I could be nit-picky and remind the cast to take their time with their lines and to remember to take a pause after those comedic zingers for laughs, but judging on how the audience and I were thoroughly engaged throughout the show, I will just say job very well done! I laughed, I gasped, and during one shocking surprise moment.....I may have peed a little! This cast did such a great job of understanding this complex and layered script and it made for a rollercoaster ride of thrills and suspense.

I have to applaud Andy Anderson for his superb job in the role of Sidney Bruhl. This is one of my favorite roles that Andy Anderson has performed and he seemed at ease in this rolel. His excellent performance came off as natural and not forced and he was crucial in guiding the plot and the suspense. Cindy Laudadio-Hill was adorable as his wife, Myra and her nervousness really helped to build the intensity of the possible murder that was arranged. Damon Guerrasio once again brought his A game as the young, budding playwright, Clifford Anderson. I loved his diversity in the role and he really played up the ever shifting power dynamic between him and Sidney. Linda Suttle was absolutely hilarious as the psychic, Helga ten Dorp. From the moment she came onstage, she was a quirky ball of energy and I adored her accent that was distinct but not too much so the audience could understand her. Wade Livingston as the lawyer, Porter Milgrim was also quite good and I enjoyed his build up in the final scene.

Director Bernie Cardell was the puppet master of suspense and pulled all the right strings to take the audience of this thrilling journey. He was also pulling double duty as the set designer, transporting the audience into a quaint home that had a sense of regality to it with a tip to Sidney's ego with so much memorabilia surrounding them. With the assistance of set builder Biz Schaugaard, I also appreciated the gorgeous fireplace, the wonderful depth of the set, plush furniture and oriental rugs. One of the shining stars of the show were the thoughtful props by the talented master, Beki Pineda. There were so many weapons on the wall (I counted ...this show was begging for a murder. I also loved both of the desks for one and for two that were a focal point of the show and the ominous grandfather clock with the swinging pendulum. In a thriller, lighting is always an essential necessity and Vance McKenzie met this task adding great effects and adding to the suspense.

Another fine job by the talented cast and crew of Spotlight Theatre, if you are in the mood for a good thriller then put down the mystery book and experience this show full of thrills, twists and turns! Spotlight Theatre's DEATHTRAP is keeping audiences in suspense now through May 3rd at the John Hand Theater in Denver. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm on May 3rd. For tickets or more information, contact the box office by calling 720-880-8727 or online at www.thisisspotlight.com. Performances will be held at the John Hand Theater located at 7653 East 1st Place in Denver.

PICTURED ABOVE: Andy Anderson as Sidney Bruhl

PHOTO CREDIT: Charles Wingerter

Andy Anderson as Sidney and Damon Guerrasio as Clifford

Andy Anderson and Cindy Laudadio-Hill as Sidney and Myra Bruhl