The Waterfront Playhouse concludes its smash 73rd season with the comedy thriller, “Deathtrap,” by Ira Levin. Broadway’s longest-running mystery, “Deathtrap” is a classic pulse-pounding thriller with devilishly wicked characters, multiple twists and plenty of laughs. Time Magazine said, “If you care to assassinate yourself with laughter, try ‘Deathtrap.’”

Nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play it ran for more than 1,800 performances on Broadway, became a movie in 1982 starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve and has been produced all over the world.

“Deathtrap” is the premiere event for the Waterfront’s Key West Mystery Fest, 2013. The play opens on Thursday, May 2, with a gala after-party sponsored by Jack Paul. There are low-priced previews on April 30 and May 1. All performances are at 8 p.m. The production is sponsored by the Westin, Key West Marina and Resort and the 2012/13 sponsors are Digital Island Media, Royal Furniture and Wodu Media.

“Deathtrap” is about Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, struggling to overcome a “dry” spell. A string of failures and a shortage of funds have not helped matters. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting — a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit. Sidney’s plan, which he devises with his wife Myra’s help, is to offer collaboration to the student, an idea that the younger man quickly accepts. Throw in an eccentric psychic and stuffy Brahmin lawyer, and the play begins to soar with an abundance of shocking surprises, thrills and laughter.

Director Bob Bowersox says, “‘Deathtrap’ is probably the finest example of the two-act thriller you’ll ever see. It has more twists, turns and sudden shocks than any play I know and I guarantee you won’t see them coming. That, and the fact that’s it’s the perfect blend of suspense, thrills and humor, make this play a terrific eve- ning of theater.”

“Deathtrap” stars some of Key West’s best actors. The indefatigable and talented David Black stars as Sidney and the young playwright, Clifford, is played by Mark Watson, a gifted playwright in his own right. The excellent supporting players include Mary Falconer as Myra, Sidney’s wife, Chris Stone as Helga Ten Dorp, the Dutch psychic and Geno Drum as Porter Milgrim, the lawyer.

Michael Boyer will create the Connecticut house where the action takes place. The atmo- spheric lighting design will be by David Bird. Leigh Hooten will design the costumes. Carmen Rodriguez and Mike Boyer will be in charge of the props. Trish Manley will act as stage manager.

For tickets, go to Waterfront Playhouse.org for the online ticketing service or call the box office at 305-294-5015. Also on the website are details about all of the events for the Waterfront’s Key West Mystery Fest.