The Waterfront Playhouse concludes its smash 73^rd 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 over 1800 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 will open on Thursday, May 2^nd with a gala after party sponsored by Jack Paul. There are low-priced previews on April 30^th and May 1^st. All performances are at 8 PM. 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 which 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 which 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 evening 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, will be played by Mark Watson, a gifted playwright in his own right. Mary Falconer plays Myra, Sidney’s wife, Chris Stone plays Helga Ten Dorp, the Dutch psychic and Geno Drum plays Porter Milgrim, the lawyer.

Michael Boyer will create the Connecticut house where the action takes place. The atmospheric 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 WaterfrontPlayhouse.org for our online ticketing service or call the box office at 305-294-5015.