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Sidney Bruhl's plays used to be box office gold, but his last few productions have flopped hard.  When a young writer hands off a thriller to Sidney for some input, the veteran writer sees an opportunity to resurrect his floundering career.  Sidney decides to concoct a plot to murder the unknown writer and pass the play off as his own.  But there's a flaw in his plan, and Sidney soon finds he has unwittingly written himself into a mystery that will cause his world to spiral out of control.

Plus, new this season, join us for Kroupa's Fish Fry Friday in our Studio Theater prior to our final Friday performance during the run of DEATHTRAP!  Elm Grove's own Kroupa's Family Cafe and Catering serves up a delicious fish fry for an affordable price, and The Playhouse finishes off your night with a super show!  It's a great night of dining and entertainment that won't break the bank.  (Call our Box Office at (262)782-4430 to reserve your spot for Fish Fry Friday today!)

Bloody fun

Thanks for a great night of entertainment. Another outstanding job by one of our favorites, Paul Troglia.

A Trap You'll Want to be Caught In

Mark Salentine's admirable job with DEATHTRAP (a play I'm not generally fond of) is further proof that Sunset Playhouse continues to produce theatre of far higher quality than the majority of vanity companies currently cluttering up the Milwaukee scene. If for no other reason, catch this surprisingly funny production for Paul Troglia's priceless hard-bitten drollery.

A fantastic night!

Just saw the show tonight and had a TERRIFIC time. I laughed, I screamed, I jumped in my seat. I was scared, I was surprised, I was amused. A great night of theatre. The set was gorgeous, the fight choreography was believable (and believably executed!), the direction was spot on, and the cast-- loved them. Especially Troglia and Neufang. Their interp on these characters was consistently engaging, and their takes on the "thriller" elements of the show were wonderfully fun. I would see it again in a heartbeat!

ANOTHER MYSTERY WITH TWISTS

Fans won’t go wrong with DEATHTRAP / By JULIE McHALE - TimeOut Theater Critic (Waukesha Freeman) / October 30, 2009 / This is the weekend of mysteries in Waukesha County. Two engrossing productions - DEATHTRAP and AND THEN THERE WERE NONE - await you at the Sunset Playhouse and Waukesha Civic Theatre, respectively. Is this coincidence or good Halloween strategy? DEATHTRAP, a classic piece that’s been around for over 30 years, was written by Ira Levin, the same man who gave us "Rosemary’s Baby," "The Stepford Wives" and "No Time for Sergeants," just to name a few. But DEATHTRAP is his marquee success, still holding the record for the longest-running comedy-thriller on Broadway. Five distinct characters comprise the cast: Sidney Bruhl, the crusty playwright who is suffering an arid period at the moment; his nervous wife, Myra, whose ambiguous motives pique our curiosity; his adoring, talented student Clifford Anderson; Bruhl’s neighbor, Helga ten Dorp, whose powers of ESP prove enlightening, as well as troublesome; and Bruel’s lawyer Porter Milgrim, whose greed becomes apparent late in the game, when he joins all the others with the same affliction. The simple story line involves a play recently written by Clifford Anderson and given to Sidney Bruhl to critique. Sidney is very impressed with its quality and begins to wonder how he could steal it and make his own comeback with its ensuing success. Besides collecting awards for his writings, Bruhl also collects old weapons, which reflect the types used in his own mystery thrillers. These become more than collector’s items as the plot unfolds. Since this production is a mystery, I can’t spoil the story for future attendees, but I will say that greed provides impetus for many crimes, and all five characters suffer from this aberration to some degree. The psychic provides some comedy along the way. Sally Marks was perfect for the role. Paul Troglia and Mark Neufang both mastered their roles as the almost-desperate, fading writer and the confident, creative upstart, each battling for a return to or first taste of recognition and stardom. Their fight scenes are well choreographed and executed. We find ourselves pulling for the younger writer all the way until the denouement when poetic justice takes over. Donna Daniels and Glen Villa are also credible in their roles. The set, with its unusual accoutrements, its use of red and its many levels, serves the play well. Michael Desper continues to do his magic. The sound design by Jan Pritzl and Mark Salentine, especially between scenes, affords a nice comic touch. Mystery fans won’t go wrong with this one. It will keep you guessing all the way. Every step of this twisty journey culminates in one more surprise. Director Salentine excels.

DEATHTRAP Review from Third Coast Digest

THIRD COAST DIGEST Review: DEATHTRAP at Sunset Playhouse October 28th, 2009 By Peggy Sue Dunigan (Posted in: Arts & Culture, Theater, VITAL) Is there anyone who can love a murderer? A frightful mystery addresses this question in the play DEATHTRAP, now playing at the Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove. This popular production, originally written by award-winning author Ira Levin, once filled Broadway venues continually for a four-year run before becoming a movie in 1982. The story specifically envisions the 1980s, a decade when cell phones, MP3 players and computers were virtually non-existent in the home. As a result, the script references to Smith Corona typewriters and rotary phones appear almost archaic today. J. Michael Desper, the set and technical designer, presents a stage filled with old Connecticut ambiance: fireplaces, antique desks and an impressive collection of weapons. The handcuffs, mace, daggers and revolvers also serve as props to inspire the main character, playwright Sidney Bruhl, as he creates his successful mysteries. However, Bruhl (played by Paul Troglia) now struggles with writer’s block after one success and four missteps in producing his plays. His wife Myra (Donna Daniels) has donated her wealth to sustain his career during an 11-year marriage. As their income vanishes, Bruhl’s desperation heightens in the first act. In a chance encounter at a playwriting seminar, Bruhl meets Clifford Anderson (Mark R. Neufang), who offers renewed hope and inspiration but with an unexpected plot twist. Helga Ten Dorp (Sally Marks) enters to provide comic relief by portraying a psychic visiting from Europe; it’s a difficult role that Marks makes believable. The plot may seem contrived compared to modern television mysteries, and the characters engender little sympathy. There also seems to be dramatic spark misfires via a lost chemistry between Sidney and Myra (and later, Sidney and Clifford), which lessen DEATHTRAP’s intensity. On a positive note, Gene Schuldt’s fight choreography plays well on Sunset’s stage and is especially important to the story. The ensemble cast carries this thriller/comedy with a valiant effort through the murders and mishaps. This two-hour-plus performance, the second production of the company’s season, definitely provides some surprises and quick turns sure to thrill serious mystery aficionados.

Deathtrap

My children (14yrs and 17yrs) and I saw Deathtrap opening night. Although some of the subtle humor was lost on my kids, they LOVED the play. They especially loved the twisted plot and the surprises that seem to come at every turn. The actor that played Sydney was wonderful, very convincing. Clifford's believability was a bit of a sell for me. The attorney's dialogue seemed a bit forced and the neighbor was a bit on the corney side . . .too contrived . but all in all it was a VERY enjoyable evening. This was our first time to The Playhouse but will not be our last!

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PRODUCTION STAFF

Director Mark Salentine

Set Designer/Technical Director J. Michael Desper

Lighting Designer Jennifer Allen

Stage Manager Stephanie Lesko

Stage Manager David Scott

Co-Costume Designer Pat Boeck

Co-Costume Designer Barbara Decker

Sound Designer Jan Pritzl

Co-Properties Mistress Merry Jaeger

Co-Properties Mistress Pat Westen

Fight Choreographer Gene Schuldt

CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)

Sidney Bruhl Paul Troglia

Myra Bruhl Donna Daniels

Clifford Anderson Mark R. Neufang

Helga ten Dorp Sally Marks

Porter Milgrim Glenn Villa

Jennifer Allen  (Lighting Designer)

After her first lighting design in almost a decade for Social Security, Jennifer was thrilled to be asked back to design for the 50th season. During the day, Jennifer is an employment attorney with Alan C. Olson & Associates, but she had great fun “monkeying around” in the theatre at night. Huge thanks again to Mark, Michael, Marty and the whole light hang team... and to Chris for his understanding and support.

Barbara Decker (Co-Costume Coordinator)

For the past three years Barbara has been a part of the costume crew at Sunset.  Through her experiences here, she has learned that there is more than meets the eye when dressing the cast. Barbara has found that color, lighting, style and personalities all play an important part and add a bit of challenge to the job. Even though it is work, she has fun teaming up with the other great Sunset volunteers.

Pat Boeck (Co-Costume Coordinator)

Having a desire to volunteer led Pat to the Sunset Playhouse several years ago.  Sewing was a hobby that started the initial contact, but it grew into the magic of costuming.  Little did she know how enjoyable being a part of the productions would be. Costuming has its challenges that keep it interesting, but satisfaction with the finished product, having fun, and finding great friends isn’t bad either.

Donna Daniels (Myra Bruhl)

Donna is thrilled to be returning to the Sunset stage in Deathtrap.  Recent Sunset audiences may remember her as Trudy in last season’s production of Social Security. Donna has performed at a number of area theatres including Waukesha Civic Theatre and the Racine Theatre Guild. This spring Donna will be performing in Steel Magnolias at Soulstice Theatre, alongside fellow Deathtrap cast member Sally Marks.  Much love to husband Tom and daughters Gracie and Sophie.

J. Michael Desper (Technical Director)

J. Michael Desper has designed over 50 productions for Sunset Playhouse since the summer of 2001.  Previously he freelanced in Chicago for such companies as Circle Theatre of Forest Park, Pendulum Theatre, and Bowen Park Theatre and Opera. Before that, he earned his Master’s degree at San Diego State University and worked for the Tony Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse.  Originally from Oklahoma, Michael earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. In spring 2008, he briefly returned to educational theatre with a stint as Guest Artist and Instructor for North Dakota State University. He would like to extend an invitation to anyone interested in the technical aspects of theatre (and since you have read this far, there must be some interest) to give us a call at (262) 782-4431, ext. 235.  We’re already working on the next show, so come be a part of what you see.

Merry Jaeger (Co-Props Mistress)

Merry began volunteering at the Sunset early this year following the lead of her husband, Scott, who came up with this brilliant idea! Scott was immediately hooked and Merry decided if she wanted to ever see him again, perhaps she should participate, too. She has since developed a split personality working on the “dark side” as part of the props crew but has also “seen the light” by working with the lighting crew as well. Merry is delighted to be associated with this wonderful cast, crew, production staff and all the volunteers, seen and unseen, whose talent, energy, dedication and creativity is endless. Enjoy the show!

Stephanie Lesko (Stage Manager)

With high school and college production experience, this is Stephanie’s first time stage managing at Sunset.  She had a blast working backstage for Fame this summer. By day, she works in product development for a major department store company and is a freelance fashion designer. She wants to thank Mark for this opportunity, and the wonderful cast and crew for a great experience!

Sally Marks (Helga ten Dorp)

After a 30 year hiatus, Sally has been very excited to be back on stage. She appeared in Chamber Theatre’s Young Playwrights Festival, then as Ida in Cemetery Club at Sunset. She recently performed at Boulevard Theatre as the “Lion Aunt” in Stevie and in RSVP’s production of Regrets Only. She can next be seen in Steel Magnolias with Soulstice. In the “olden days” Sally appeared in several movies and Max Reinhardt’s Drama Workshop in Hollywood.

Mark R. Neufang (Clifford Anderson)

Fresh from playing Brian O’ Bannion in Sunset’s Auntie Mame, Mark is thrilled to be part of this amazing cast.  He has acted in numerous productions at local theatres, including Sunset (as Jack in The Boys Next Door and Ned in Holiday), Waukesha Civic Theatre (where he last played Bernard in Don’t Dress for Dinner and Mike Connor in The Philadelphia Story), and Boulevard Ensemble. He is excited to make his directorial debut this winter with Waukesha Civic Theatre’s Crimes of the Heart. He would like to thank his dear friends Donna Daniels and Jenny Kosek for their love, inspiration, and encouragement... and Mark S., for gifting him with this challenging role.

Mark Salentine (Artistic Director, Director)

Mark is in his seventh season at Sunset with over 50 varying productions since first coming in as a guest director in the fall of 2003. “We’re now on 50 years of entertainment here, and I’m proud to be just small part of that!” says Mark.  Holding a Bachelor’s in theatre from Carroll College, Mark has been involved as an actor, director, writer, producer, designer, or technician in now over 200 shows in theaters throughout the United States. He also ventures into the film and commercial side of acting, but his best production to date is still a boy named Timothy. “Moo.”

Gene Schuldt (Fight Coordinator)

Gene is a 1976 graduate of the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, where he studied Stage Combat under Joe Martinez, one of the founding members of the Society of American Fight Directors. Gene has taught Stage Combat at The Theatre School at DePaul University as well as The Victory Gardens Theatre Training Center in Chicago.  Sunset patrons may recall his fights in Arthur, The Boy Who Would Be King, Moon Over Buffalo, Misery, Corpse, West Side Story, & A Streetcar Named Desire, to name but a few.

David Scott (Stage Manager)

Dave has returned to the dark side after being in the light as Lindsay Woolsey in Auntie Mame. You want to stop reading this, call the box office and become a season ticket holder. (Jedi mind trick) There, now don’t you feel better? Enjoy the show. BOO!

Paul Troglia (Sidney Bruhl)

Paul has been a part of the Milwaukee theater scene for more than thirty years.  He has appeared with mainstay companies such as the Milwaukee Rep and the Chamber Theater and with venues that were just passing through.  His “home” is Sunset, where he has done a variety of roles from Lenny in Of Mice and Men to Henry II in The Lion in Winter. He most recently appeared here as Colonel Jessup in A Few Good Men.  He is proud to be appearing in the Sunset Playhouse’s 50th anniversary year.

Glenn Villa (Porter Milgrim)

Glenn is once again pleased to be having fun at Sunset. He can’t wait to share the stage again with Paul (A Few Good Men) and Donna (Social Security) and looking forward to working with Mark and Sally. Glenn would like to thank his family for their support, especially his lovely wife Sandy (“Just as long as he finishes the kitchen remodel”).

Pat Westen (Co-Props Mistress)

Pat is happy to share Prop Mistress duties with Merry. Pat and her husband Mark have been doing props, set construction and cast dinners since 1996 and love the real community spirit that the Sunset has. Thanks to all those dedicated prop people who work behind the scenes. Come and volunteer!