‘Deathtrap’ shows intricacy of hidden motivation

A play notorious for its intricate story and tightly woven script that blends thrilling theater with comedy commands a Thibodaux stage this month.

“Deathtrap” touches on greed and ambition and the length people will go to satisfy their unpleasant desires. Murder plots overlap and motivations are methodically revealed, and an audience that craves plot twists will not be disappointed.

Eric Pellegrin is directing the Thibodaux Playhouse production. It is the second time he will direct a stage play since returning to the theater from a hiatus last year.

“Everything that happens in this play is motivated by desire to accomplish something, and nothing is what it seems,” Pellegrin said. “Everybody is saying one thing, but they have some other motivation going on under it.”

Damon Stentz stars as Sidney Bruhl, a down-on-his-luck, but wealthy-by-marriage playwright who thinks he has discovered a thrilling masterpiece.

The primary issue seems to be how Bruhl will swipe the script from Clifford Anderson, the young playwright who crafted the plot and met Bruhl at a seminar. But as the tandem grows closer, a joint motivation beings to surface and run against individual, ulterior aspirations.

“It’s a really ingenious story, and if you’ve never seen it before, you’re not going to be able to expect what happens next,” Stentz said. “I just hope that we can keep up the tension and the suspense throughout the whole thing and surprise people at the end.”

Co-star Doug DeGirolamo plays the role of Anderson in his third production at the Thibodaux Playhouse.

DeGirolamo moved to Thibodaux last year after graduating DeSales University in Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in acting and directing. He said the necessary subtle revelations to the audience are a product of good acting.

“We make ourselves seem vulnerable in certain spots,” DeGirolamo said. “Perhaps we give out a little too much information about something away and really build up the suspense.”

Bruhl’s den includes a litany of weapons. In addition to serving as decoration for the production set in 1978 Connecticut, the weapons add another layer for psychic Helga ten Dorp (played by Yvette Billelo) to unravel in her quest to unearth a nefarious plan.

The play also features Andrea Stentz (Myra Bruhl) and Michael Huff (Porter, an attorney).

Written by Ira Levin, “Deathtrap” ran for the first time in 1978 and holds the record for longest running comedy-thriller on Broadway with more than 1,800 performances over four years. It was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

“It’s a very well-crafted script,” said Pellegrin, who added that he wouldn’t change anything from the original version. “It’s a period piece and we keep it there.”

In 1982, the script was adapted into a feature-length film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.

Both Stentz and DeGirolamo have seen the film and said it is unlike the stage play.

Stentz, a 38-year-old Thibodaux attorney who recently self-published the novel “The Kraken Slayer,” has performed several roles with the Playhouse after reinserting himself with theater a few years back.

The play will run Thursday and Friday, Feb. 17 and 18 at 7pm, Thursday through Saturday, Feb.23 to 25 at 7pm, and Sunday, Feb. 26 at 2pm.

All showings will be at the Wetlands Acadian Culture Center Theatre, 314 St. Mary St., Thibodaux. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

To make a reservation, call (985) 446-1896.