It’s not often that you hear actual gasps in the theater. But the play “Deathtrap,” in a confident, clever and comedic staging by Virginia Rep, generates a whole slew of them. And not just when characters are getting killed.
Written by Ira Levin, the novelist behind horror classics like “The Stepford Wives” and “Rosemary’s Baby,” “Deathtrap” has been a regular regional theater favorite since closing on Broadway in the early 1980s after nearly 1,800 performances. A 1982 film version starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve further cemented the play in the popular imagination.
Even with its recognition as one of the best stage thrillers ever, Levin’s carefully constructed series of self-aware fake-outs still seems fresh more than 45 years after its debut. Director Paul Takács enhances the already prime material starting with inspired casting choices.
Tall, rangy Nathan Whitmer plays playwright Sidney Bruhl with kinetic McLean Fletcher in the role of Sidney’s nervous nelly wife, Myra. As the plot unfolds, we learn that Sidney had one big Broadway hit two decades ago but his career has faded since, forcing him to be more and more reliant on Myra’s inherited wealth.
From the moment Sidney reveals that he’s received what he describes as a sure-fire hit script from one of his students, Whitmer’s physicality insinuates danger. When Sidney invites the student, Clifford (Axle Burtness), to the Bruhl’s secluded rural home – suggesting he bring all drafts and backups of the script with him – Myra’s understanding of the possible deathly consequences sets Fletcher’s chin a-quivering with increased anxiety.
Upon Clifford’s arrival, the intensifying dance between Myra’s frantic deflections and Sidney’s thinly veiled threats is a delight to behold. Burtness plays the ingenuous acolyte with perfectly understated aplomb, leading to questions about just how naive Clifford is.
All the while, an enormous wall covered with deadly weapons – from a medieval mace to a modern crossbow – looms behind them. Kudos to scenic designer Dasia Gregg for assembling such an impressive and foreboding display.
As much as Myra tries to pacify Sidney, this is a thriller after all, so someone has to meet their demise. Just who that is and the unexpected hows and whys of the murder (or murders) are all part of the fun.
It would spoil that fun to reveal even a skosh more plot but adding essential grace notes to the story are psychic Helga ten Dorp (Donna Marie Miller) and Sidney’s lawyer, Porter (William Vaughn). Though both characters primarily function as devices in the larger machinations of the main characters, Miller’s performance, in particular, is a bravura comic turn as her character picks up on the overwhelmingly menacing vibe emanating from the Bruhl home.
Helga can thank an immersive sound design by Jonathan Pratt for much of that vibe. Pratt scores many transitions like a movie, underlining and reinforcing the mood Takács is creating. Takács gets further assistance from Steven Koehler’s atmospheric lighting design, particularly as stormy weather plays a key role in later scenes.
During the play, several characters remark on how the plot they’re living out would make a great thriller. That kind of meta commentary – plus throwaway quips like “nothing recedes like success” – give the show a smart, contemporary energy that helps disguise dated aspects like landline telephones and mentions of the Merv Griffin show.
It’s particularly appropriate that this show is running at the same time the latest installment of a certain murder mystery franchise is all the rage on Netflix. For decades, “Deathtrap” has been challenging audiences by saying, ‘you know we’re trying to trick you but we’re going to trick you anyway,” in the same way “Knives Out” has been doing more recently.
If you’re looking for an exceptional example of the twisty, surprising fun that “Knives Out” is emulating, fall into “Deathtrap.” You’ll be happy you did.
Virginia Repertory Theatre’s production of “Deathtrap” runs at Hanover Tavern, 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, through Jan. 18, 2026. Tickets and information available at https://va-rep.org/.
