Avon Players Presents Taut Thriller ‘Deathtrap’

There is no escaping the wicked charms
of this play’s twists and turns

Greed and desperation lead to a sinister plot in Avon Players’ surprise-filled thriller Deathtrap, running January 17-February 1 in Rochester Hills, MI.

Living a seemingly comfortable life in his charming Connecticut home, playwright Sidney Bruhl (Jeff Stillman) is struggling to overcome a string of failures that have left him hurting for money. His luck seems on the verge of turning around when he receives a script from a student of his, Clifford Anderson (Patrick Jordan). Sidney immediately recognizes Clifford’s manuscript to be a potential hit. Sidney offers to collaborate with the young writer, but the plan he has devised with his wife Myra (Lesa Bydalek) is far more devilish. Just how far will Sidney go to get Clifford out of the way and claim the script for himself? Audiences will be enthralled until the final moments of Deathtrap.

Deathtrap enjoyed a four-year run on Broadway from 1978-1982, a record for plays of its genre. Playwright Ira Levin earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for the script. Other notable works by Levin include the screenplays for Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives. Deathtrap was adapted into a 1982 film starring Michael Caine as Sidney, Christopher Reeve as Clifford, and Dyan Cannon as Myra.

Tickets for all shows are $18 ($16 on Sundays for students and seniors). Call 248.608.9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. All seats are reserved. Show dates and times follow:

Friday, Jan. 17              8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18          8:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 19            2:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24              8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25          8:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 26            2:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31              8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1           8:00 p.m.

Founded in 1947, Avon Players is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit community theatre located along the winding banks of Stoney Creek in the quaint Historic District of Rochester Hills, only about two miles from the heart of downtown Rochester. Avon Players has been performing shows in its unique A-frame theater since 1965. With ticket prices set at a fraction of those at a professional theatre (plus free parking and concessions on a donation basis), a family of four can experience a sensational live theatrical event for about the cost of one ticket at a “downtown” venue.  And for regular theatre-goers, an affordable outing can be an even better bargain by taking advantage of Avon Players’ season ticket packages, which yield discounts of up to 21% per ticket. Additionally, season ticket holders enjoy priority seating selection and voting privileges in Avon’s annual “Stoney Awards.” Additional information regarding tickets and productions is available by calling the Avon Players box office at 248.608.9077 or by visiting the website: www.AvonPlayers.org.

Cast and Production Staff by Community:

Fenton

Sheryl Rissel (Costume Design)

Macomb

Sharon Jourdan (Properties Design)

Richard Marcil (“Porter Mulligan”)

Pontiac

David Reynolds (Director)

Rochester Hills

John (JD) Deierlein (Lighting Design)

Brad Holoday (Set Design)

Louise Holoday (Hair and Make-Up Design)

Patrick Jordan (“Clifford Anderson”)

Mark Misch (Set Dress)

Shelby Township

Lesa Bydalek (“Myra Bruhl”)

Katie Jostock (“Helga Ten Dorp”)

Mark Palmer (Producer)

Waterford

Jeff Stillman (“Sidney Bruhl”)