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Jessica John, Award-Winning San Diego Actor,
To Make Directorial Debut at Scripps Ranch Theatre
In “Deathtrap,” Classic Mystery Thriller

Jessica John, an award-winning and popular San Diego actor, will make her directorial debut in “Deathtrap,” Ira Levin’s classic mystery thriller that will be presented by Scripps Ranch Theatre Nov. 13 – Dec. 11.

 “Deathtrap” is regarded as one of Broadway’s biggest hits with its unique blend of mystery, thrills and humor.

John is most recognized as an actress, receiving multiple San Diego Critic Circle Awards and KPBS Patte Awards for her work in such shows such 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.

She was asked to consider directing “Deathtrap” by Scripps Ranch Theatre Artistic Director Jill Drexler.
“When Jill approached me to direct ‘Deathtrap’,” John said, “it felt kind of serendipitous.  I had just been reading about the upcoming London revival which opened this August at the Noel Coward Theatre.  Matthew Warchus was directing.  He had directed all these amazing, high-buzz shows like ‘God of Carnage,’ ‘Speed the Plow’and ‘The Norman Conquests.’   I knew that ‘Deathtrap’ had to be something incredible for him to take it on. 
“When I read the script I completely understood why it intrigued him.  It’s so beautifully constructed.  Each surprise and scare reveals itself so perfectly.  Each moment you think you’ve figured it out, you haven’t.  And there is this terrific comedy in that.”

When asked about the difficult transition from acting to directing, she said, “It’s exciting and terrifying, too.  I’ve acted under some amazing directors and I’m constantly observing what it is that each one does to get me, or another actor, where they need to be.  It’s so individual.  But ultimately it always comes down to the same thing.  What’s the story?  How is it different from any other story? Are we telling it?  How can we tell it better?  I’m excited to tell this story.  And I’m really excited because I feel I have the perfect cast to tell it.”

Her first directorial assignment is with a show that has gained widespread critical acclaim. Among critical comments when the show first opened on Broadway in 1978 were: "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 for general admission, $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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