A thriller in two acts
<p>Sydney Bruhl, played by Phil Carlson, takes a drink in a scene from Deathtrap directed by Steve Kane and Loretta Underwood.</p>
<p>The body of Clifford Anderson, played by Cole Durbin, lies on the floor in the home of Sydney and Myra Bruhl during a scene from Steve Kane and Loretta Underwood's production of Deathtrap.</p>
<p>Psychic, Helga Ten Dorp, played by Josette Holland, left, shares an ominous vision with Myra Bruhl, played by Angela Carlson, after Myra witnessed a murder in Deathtrap, a play directed by Steve Kane and Loretta Underwood.</p>
POST FALLS - Loretta Underwood says she was a little sad when she finished reading the "Deathtrap" play script for the first time.
She wanted more.
That's a good sign, since Underwood is one of the co-directors of the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center's production of the play by Ira Levin.
"It's so full of surprises. I felt like I found something new on every page. It definitely doesn't end the way you expect it to, and it's funny," Underwood said.
The show, touted as a "thriller in two acts" opens tonight at 7:30 at the center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls. The play runs again Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., and again Sept. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 15 at 2 p.m.
"Deathtrap" is about Sidney Bruhl, a formerly successful Broadway thriller writer going through a series of failures.
It features a cast of five.
"This is probably one of my favorite casts I've ever worked with. They're incrediblytalented and dedicated," said Underwood, whose own theater experience includes performances in many North Idaho College productions and a national tour with the Missoula Children's Theatre. She previously performed in the JACC's production of "The Importance of Being Earnest."
The cast includes Phil Carlson as Sidney; Angela Symons-Carlson as Myra Bruhl, Sidney's wife; Cole Durbin as Clifford Anderson; Josette Holland as Helga ten Dorp; and Steve Kane in the role of Porter Milgrim, Sidney's lawyer.
Kane, also the show's co-director, performed in the JACC's production of "The Crucible," and filled the role of Tevye in the Lake City Playhouse production of "Fiddler on the Roof." Kane heads up the JACC's Theatre Troupe.
The play was the basis for a 1982 film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, Kane said.
The story line follows the exploits of Sidney and other cast members as they scheme to come up with another Broadway hit.
"We toy with the idea of murdering for the perfect play," Kane said.
Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and can be purchased by phone, 457-8950 or online, www.thejacklincenter.org