As a writer and editor, I love a good story about language. As an actor in addition to those other things, I love a good play about writing. This is a wonderful mix of my passions in one and a truly entertaining script from start to finish.

Ira Levin’s Deathtrap is a wild ride of thriller, suspense, and comedy in one. The story is multifaceted and somewhat convoluted, but in the best way. Whittier Community Theatre’s production, directed by Justin Patrick Murphy, takes this script of many levels and does wonders with it.

The set is vibrant and busy, but every aspect of it impacts the story. The furniture is simple in order to allow the two side walls to be the highlight. Intermixed with play posters are many various types of weapons that are mentioned and/or used throughout the show. While looking decorative, they also provide an appropriate looming of suspense over the action from the very beginning. The interaction with the weapons is natural and believable within the play, contributing to–but never distracting from–the story. Even the set structure shows how much time and importance Murphy and the theater staff have put into it.

The cast is led by two strong leads, Guy C. van Empel (Sidney Bruhl) and Mason Meskell (Clifford Anderson). Their chemistry is a pleasure to witness and they bring every shocking turn of the story believably to life.

van Empel’s Sidney is strong and conniving, bringing the villainous rage to the stage. He alternates between dutiful husband, curious and jilted playwright, and deceitful partner with ease. Meskell’s Clifford goes from innocent author to devious co-conspirator and beyond with each life-or-death interaction. The two actors play off of each other well and keep the audience engaged and the surprises coming.

The multiple fight scenes, choreographed by Meskell, looked so real and left the whole audience gasping for breath. If you didn’t know better, you’d think that you were witnesses a real fight. Even audience members who are intimately aware of the fantasy were genuinely worried for the actors’ safety–because it looked that good.

The other glowing performance is Phyllis M. Nofts’s portrayal of Helga Ten Dorp. Her cameo appearance is the comedic relief and a real show stopper. She plays the medium with wonderfully over-the-top humor and a great accent. You know when she enters that you will be entertained and her every delivery is perfectly hilarious.

Deathtrap is a thriller with twist after twist leaving audiences shocked while anxiously waiting for the next turn of events. Don’t miss your chance to catch these great performances. The show runs at Whittier Community Theatre through March 2nd.

Have you seen the show? Let me know what you thought in the comments! Haven’t made it yet? Hurry and grab your tickets at the link below!