The surprise plot twists and turns keep the audience on its toes in the droll and witty "Deathtrap" at Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illicks Mill Rd., Bethlehem, through Oct. 23.
"Deathtrap" is a play that references itself and the plot is convoluted enough that the audience nevers knows whats going to happen next, for a crazy ride of murder and mayhem.
In the story, Sydney Bruhl is a playwright who is desperate for another hit after a series of flops. When he discovers his student Clifford Anderson has written what he thinks will be a hit play, he invites him over to his Connecticut home - maybe to collaborate on the play, maybe to murder Anderson.
"Deathtrap" ran for four years in New York and holds the record for the longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway. It was nominated for four Tony awards, including best play.
As Sydney. Robert Callan Adams has a world-weary air that combines a bemused playfulness and a hint of a threat simmering below the surface.
Gloria Millheim is alternately soothing and brittle as Sydneys wealthy wife Myra, off of whom Sydney is living. Myra also has a heart condition and Millheim plays up her hysterical nature.
Michael Jasper as Clifford Anderson is somewhat of an enigma. Jasper makes the young playwright laid back and seemingly harmless, but then the character provides the first jolt of terror.
April Lindenmuth is the comedy relief as Helga Ten Dorp, a wacky psychic from Holland who shows up at Sydney and Myra's house at the most inopportune times to humorously and ominously predict danger. Adding a fun local angle is her ongoing competitiveness with the mentalist Amazing Kreskin who honed his skills while spending summers in Bethlehem.
As Sydneys lawyer Porter Milgrim, Bill Joachim is a solid presence who is hawk-like and suspicious.
Kim Carsons direction maintains the tension of the thriller while a soundtrack of 1970s and 1980s music sets the time frame of the play. Particularly humorous is the use of Queens "Another One Bites the Dust."
Brett Oliveiras set is suitably sinister with walls adorned with Sydney's collection of weapons of every shape and size including guns, knives, handcuffs and even a battle-axe.
The playhouse will present a special benefit performance of "Deathtrap" at 1 p.m. Oct. 15. Proceeds will benefit the Rotary International's District 7430 Rotaplast Committee, which helps children worldwide get surgery for cleft palate and other deformities. The event will include Oktoberfest-style food and drinks, raffle and a talk back with the cast and crew.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15, 21-22; and 3 p.m. Oct. 16 and 23.
Tickets are $25 adults, $22 seniors and $15 students.
For tickets, call 610-865-6665, or go to paplayhouse.org.