MARK AUERBACH
STOCKBRIDGE – Ira Levin’s comedy thriller Deathtrap opens the Berkshire Theatre Group’s summer season at the Fitzpatrick Main Stage in Stockbridge. A record breaker as Broadway’s longest-running comedy thriller, it was adapted into a hit film, and is popular fare at theatres around the country. (Deathtrap was also a record breaker for the legendary American actress Marian Seldes, who made the Guiness Book of Records for playing all 1,809 Broadway performances as Myra.)
There’s something about the suspense of a well-made thriller performed onstage that keeps audiences coming again and again, and Levin, a master of theatre (with credits including No Time For Sargeants, Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives) knew how to craft a riveting story to keep an audience on the edge of their seats. Director Aaron Mark and fight choreographer Tony Simotes stage the play with cinematic timing, and some of the thrills come from split-second surprises. There are many twists and turns in Levin’s script, and plenty of laughs.
Debra Jo Rupp in Deathtrap at Berkshire Theatre Group. (Photo by Michelle McGrady)
I’m not revealing anything about the plot of Deathtrap, so there are no spoilers ahead. Deathtrap is the story of an established playwright of thrillers who mentors a young playwright who has come up with a commercially-promising thriller. Will the two collaborate or compete for the next Broadway hit launches Levin’s clever premise, which could include a play within a play, and lots of subtle references to Broadway.
Randall Parsons set, a multi-level Fairfield County CT home, is superb, and it’s well lit by Alan Edwards. Aaron Mark’s cast is top-notch, with powerful performances by Gregg Edelman as the established playwright and Tom Pecinka as the up-and-coming playwright seeking his support. They interface in well-timed precision and a duelish duet. Alison Fraser and Eric Hill shine as the playwright’s wife and lawyer. Debra Jo Rupp gets the laiughs as a daffy psychic.
Gregg Edelman in Deathtrap at Berkshire Theatre Group. (Photo by Michelle McGrady)
Deathtrap is great sophisticated thrills for a summer night.
Berkshire Theatre Group also presented the premiere of Jane’s Cafe, a new eatery on the Stockbridge campus at the Fitzpatrick Main Stage. Madelyn Gardner and Becky Brighenti invited my friend and I to sample the menu, created by Red Lion Inn Chef Brian Alberg. I had a terrific farm-to-table arugula salad with grilled veggies, a hefty chocolate chip cookie, and coffee. My pal tried the “Exit Stage Left” turkey sandwich with stuffing and cranberry sauce. Best of all, we got to share a table under the tent outside on a cool summer night with Berkshire Theatre Group CEO Kate Maguire, whose enthusiasm for the season and the arts scene in The Berkshires was infectious. Reservations are highly recommended.
The Berkshire Theatre Group presents “Deathtrap” by Ira Levin. Directed by Aaron Mark. Scenic design by Randall Parsons. Costume design by Wade Laboissonniere . Lighting design by Alan Edwards. Sound design by J. Hagenbuckle. .Fight choreography by Tony Simotes. Cast: Gregg Edelman as Sidney Bruhl, Alison Fraser as Myra Bruhl, Tom Pecinka as Clifford Anderson, Debra Jo Rupp as Helga Ten Dorp, and Eric Hill as Porter Milgrom. Through July 26. The Berkshire Theatre Group’s Fitzpatrick Main Stage, Stockbridge, MA. For tickets: 413-997-4444 or www.berkshiretheatregroup.org.
Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.
