Press Contact
Gerald Reeves
858-578-7728
pr@scrippsranchtheatre.org

A Classic Thriller,
November 13 - December 11, 2010

Scripps Ranch Theatre will present Deathtrap, Ira Levin’s classic mystery thriller, Nov. 13 – Dec. 11 at its theater on the Alliant International University Campus. Deathtrap is known as one of the biggest hits on Broadway with its unique blend of mystery, thrills and humor..

Directed by Jessica John, Deathtrap features a cast that includes Eric Poppick, Kevin Koppman-Gue, Natalie Sentz, M Susan Peck and Charles Maze.  Martin Astl is production manager

Poppick and Koppman-Gue are reunited in this production, having appeared together in Cygnet Theatre’s The History Boys. Poppick was seen most recently in Scripps Ranch Theatre’s hit comedy, Not Now, Darling. Koppman-Gue was seen in Diversionary Theatre’s Speech and Debate and Moscow, a Musical Play, and is currently in North Coast Rep’s Becky’s New Car.

Jessica John is most recognized as an actress, receiving multiple San Diego Critic Circle Awards and KPBS Patte Awards for her work in such shows as Renaissance Theatre’s A View from the Bridge, Cygnet’s Burn This, and The Playboy of the Western World at New Village Arts She was the founder and artistic director of Backyard Productions, which was honored for its co-productions of Bright Room Called Day and A Lie of the Mind. She is a Cygnet Theatre Resident Artist and was named one of San Diego Magazine’s People to Watch in 2005. This will be her debut as a director.

In Deathtrap, Levin has taken the basic components of thrillers and horror stories – murder, deceit, innocent dialogue with hidden sinister meanings, plot reversals, unexpected turns of events, etc. – and twisted and rearranged the pieces again and again.

The original production of Deathtrap was a hit on Broadway in 1978, running for almost 1,800 performances and receiving Tony nominations for best play and for actors Victor Garber and Marian Seldes and director Robert Moore. A 1982 film adaptation, directed by Sidney Lumet, starred Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon.

When it opened in New York, critics were unanimous in their praise of Deathtrap.

"It is a classic thriller, a genre with a style, a manner and an audience of its own. If you like thrillers, do see it. I promise you that it is vintage." —NY Post.

"The intricately fashioned plot contortions brought gasps, the comedy lines drew delighted chortles…" —The Hollywood Reporter.

"Two-thirds a thriller and one-third a devilishly clever comedy…Suspend your disbelief and be delighted. Scream a little. It's good for you." —Cue Magazine.

"If you care to assassinate yourself with laughter, try DEATHTRAP." —Time Magazine.

Performances are on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Scripps Ranch Theatre encourages patrons to make reservations early as performances sell out quickly. Tickets are $22 general admission and $20 for students, seniors and active military, and $10 for children 12 and under.

For reservations, call the Scripps Ranch Theatre box-office at 858-578-7728 or visit our website at: www.scrippsranchtheatre.org  for additional information.

Location: All performances are held in the Legler Benbough Theatre on the campus of Alliant International University (formerly United States International University) on Avenue of Nations in Scripps Ranch, one-half mile east of the I-15/Miramar-Pomerado Road exit.

Now in its 32nd year, Scripps Ranch Theatre consistently produces high quality and entertaining theater. SRT has earned a reputation as one of the finest small theaters in San Diego.

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For Additional Information,
Gerry Reeves
Publicity Manager
Scripps Ranch Theatre
My Office: 619-447-2582
Box Office: 858-578-7728
Email: GeraldR5@aol.com