The Hanna Theatre
Located in Ohio, United States, the facility that will be hosting multiple showcases is the Hanna Theatre. Inaugurated in 1921, the theatre is located in the downtown area of Cleveland. One of the first five theatrical facilities to open in the district of Ohio, the Hanna Theatre is currently owned by Playhouse Square. Designed by Charles A. Platt, the idea of the theatre was put forth by publisher and industrialist, Daniel Rhodes Hanna. The first season of the theatre presented popular shows namely The Prince and the Pauper, The Passing Show, Smilin’ Through, Jim Jam, Pitter Patter, The Masquerader, Midnight Rounders, Fools Errant and Up in the Haymow, to name a few. Undergoing renovations in 2008, the performing arts center brought forth several changes to the architecture, seating, ticket-booths, stage mechanics and entrance. This season the Hanna Theatre is inviting theatre lovers to become host to multiple showcases of the Deathtrap.
About Deathtrap
Premiering on 1978, the Deathtrap is a mystery play with two acts. Written by Ira Levin, the presentation holds the record for Broadway’s longest running thriller-comedy show. The five character play has brought forth positive critic reviews and has been revived countless times over the years. In 1982, the play was adapted in a feature film of the same name. The popular play has presented over 1800 performances over a time period of four years and is well appreciated due to its constant plot twists and unexpected surprises.
Making its debut performance at the Music Box Theatre, Deathtrap premiered after a tryout show was held at the Wilbur Theater. Directed by Robert Moore, the premier production held shows at the Biltmore Theater apart from the Music Box Theatre.
Synopsis of Deathtrap
The story of the play revolves around a successful writer, Sidney Bruhl who is faced with troubles with his writing. One day, a student of Sidney, named Clifford Anderson brings a play to his teacher to get some feedback from him. Sidney is taken aback by the writing and calls it a masterpiece. He takes the play to read it to his wife, Myra Bruhl and suggests that he might have to kill Clifford in order to steal the script. Myra assumes that Sidney is just having a laugh or two. However, the next day, Sidney takes Clifford to his den where he strangles Clifford after making sure nobody else knows about the play. At the time, Myra arrives and witnesses the horrifying act. Sidney then drags Clifford’s body away to dispose it off.
In the next scene, a psychic named Helga ten Dorp makes her way to Bruhl’s house and warns them that she sees great suffering coming their way. Later that night, when the Bruhl’s are off to bed, Sidney is attacked by a muddy, disoriented Clifford. Clifford apparently kills Sidney and his shocked wife, Myra dies of a heart attack upon witnessing the beating.
In the next scene it is revealed that Clifford and Sidney are lovers, who planned the whole thing to get rid of Myra. In another scene, Clifford is seen secretively writing his big play and when Sidney reads it, he discovers that it is based on Myra’s plotted death. Furious Sidney confronts Clifford and walks out threatening to kill him, Will Sidney kill his lover or will Clifford expose the murder to the whole world?