Well-done 'Deathtrap' delivers thrills, chills
The audience at the Butler Little Theatre was reeled in and snagged by "Deathtrap" by Ira Levin at the opening Friday night.
It was a ride of emotions, suspense, comedy, thrills and chills. Levin crafted the perfect thriller with intriguing characters and a plot with more twists than Chubby Checker.
Little Theatre veteran Gary Collar showed us a dark, scary side. Normally Collar takes on characters of a somewhat light, jovial nature. His acting chops were tested this time with a role that was one part comedy and two parts deception.
Collar passed the test with flying colors as he wove his character into the tapestry Levin spins for the audience.
His wife was played by Susan Sontum, who plays the typical exasperated wife who goes from encouraging her husband's positive behavior to secretly hoping to see his alter ego break forth for selfish reasons of her own.
A serious twist to the plot was carried out somewhat discretely but successfully with the introduction of Robert Craig as the young upstart playwright.
Craig has been so even and calculated in his two performances with the Little Theatre. His style and his delivery are predictable until Act II. Then, well ... I'll let you experience that. It is a thriller, after all, is it not?
There were a few moments where his timing was off, but that didn't rattle him or Collar, who shared the awkward moment.
Shirley Ann Minehart was hysterical in her role of Helga ten Dorp, the psychic neighbor. From her curlers to her accent, she was a delight on stage and carried her own little twist to boot. Her costumes where fabulous and her energy was outstanding.
Harley Allen, whose role was not huge, but equally well delivered, was enjoyable. Hopefully we'll see him again soon.
"Deathtrap" contains some PG-13 language and themes, but is most definitely a memorable engaging evening of theater. The show runs almost two and a half hours, but I didn't look at my watch once.
Ron Lockwood and Kris Bearer did a super job at casting, getting the actors into their characters and bringing out maximum shock potential with the Levin script. The set was also extremely well done.
"Deathtrap" wasn't a first for me, but I found myself gasping and being shocked right on cue with the rest of the audience.
WHAT: Butler Little Theatre's production of "Deathtrap" by Ira LevinWHEN: 8:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, through Jan. 31WHERE: The Butler Little Theatre, One Howard StreetTICKETS: $10; call 724-287-6781 between 7 and 9 p.m.INFO: www.bltgroup.org
