The Visual and Performing Arts Department will present Ira Levin’s thriller-comedy “Deathtrap,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, through Saturday, April 25.
C.D. Adamson, associate professor of theatre, will direct the play with a cast and crew of 25 students. Ron Rybkowski, technical director of theatre and lecturer, also supports the play as scenic designer.
The plot twists and turns in this comedy. Seemingly comfortable in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a string of recent failures and a shortage of funds. When a student in his writing seminar sends him a new script — a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway hit — Sidney sees an opportunity. With his wife’s help, he devises a plan to “collaborate” with the student, an idea which the younger man quickly accepts. Suspense mounts steadily as the plot begins to twist and turn with devilish cleverness that builds to a still-startling finale.
Purchase tickets at central.universitytickets.com. Rated PG 13 for some adult language and content.
Students in the cast are:
- Schultz Abbas, Class of 2027 psychology major from Urbandale, Iowa, as Clifford Anderson.
- Alec Anderson-Conlon, Class of 2026 psychology major from Madison, Wisconsin, as Porter Milgrim.
- Grant Humphrey, Class of 2026 music education-vocal major from Pella, Iowa, as Sidney Bruhl.
- Rachel Masters, Class of 2026 communication studies major from Lisbon, Iowa, as Helga Ten Dorp.
- Samantha Pagel, Class of 2027 music education-vocal major from Madrid, Iowa, as Myra Bruhl.
Students in the production crew are:
- Emma Boston, Class of 2029 undeclared major from Waukee, Iowa, assistant props.
- Donovan Card, Class of 2027 computer science major from Norwalk, Iowa, carpenter.
- Rylinn Dale, Class of 2027 art and musical theatre major from Marshalltown, Iowa, costume construction.
- Kathryn Fairchild, Class of 2026 communication studies and Spanish major from Eddyville, Iowa, costume designer and costume construction.
- Mason Farrington, Class of 2027 musical theatre major from Ottumwa, Iowa, assistant scenic designer.
- Sophia Fritz, Class of 2026 English major from Brighton, Iowa, props crew.
- Luke Garrison, Class of 2027 philosophy major from Lorimor, Iowa, light board operator.
- Sofie Geistkemper, Class of 2028 computer science major from Marion, Iowa, assistant stage manager.
- Katie Hamlow, Class of 2028 environmental and sustainability studies major from Woodland Park, Colorado, costume construction.
- Keely Krambeer, Class of 2026 communication studies major from Wadena, Iowa, front of house.
- Eryn Lenhart, Class of 2027 communication studies and musical theatre major from Bondurant, Iowa, make-up designer and costume construction.
- Mika McCool, Class of 2027 English and musical theatre major from Colesburg, Iowa, lighting designer.
- Gracie Pattison, Class of 2029 undeclared major from Rossville, Illinois, assistant props.
- Ashley Purk, Class of 2027 Spanish and art major from Ira, Iowa, run crew.
- Shaylee Smet, Class of 2026 computer science major from Aledo, Illinois, stage manager, master electrician and carpenter.
- Aurora “Lillie Barker” Tiller, Class of 2029 musical theatre major from Marshalltown, Iowa, stage manager and make-up designer.
- Seth Van Gelder, Class of 2027 business management major from Pella, Iowa, sound board operator.
- Chris Ver Heul, Class of 2026 communication studies major from Monroe, Iowa, carpenter.
- Brooke Watson, Class of 2028 musical theatre major from Newton, Iowa, sound designer and front of house.
- Miles-Xavier Young, Class of 2028 English and musical theatre major from Akron, Iowa, carpenter.
This production is also supported through the creative work of Mollie Abkes, 2022 Central graduate, as props master.