thursday,august 8, 2013 - County Times - Southern Maryland Online

The County TimesThursday, August 8, 2013 34By Kimberly AlstonContributing WriterOn Thursday, August 2, the communitytheatre troupe, The Newtowne Players,preformed in their opening of “Deathtrap”,by Ira Levin. Deathtrap is commonly describedas, “a play within a play” and, accordingto the players, has “provides twistsand turns and sudden shocks in such abundancethat audiences will be held spellbounduntil the very last moment.Deathtrap is composed of two acts andfive characters. The play centers around SidneyBruhl, a playwright with terrible misfortunesin the fact that he is struggling tocome up with a new play that will revive hisshortage of funds that has come about dueto his lack of new writing materials. “He isprepared to go to any lengths to improve hisfortunes,” the players said.Deathtrap holds the record for longestrunning comedy-thriller on Broadway sinceThe Newtowne Player’s Deathtrapits opening in February of 1978 where itplayed for almost four years. The play had1793 performances in its running until itclosed in June of 1982. Deathtrap was alsonominated for four Tony awards in its firstyear.The Newtowne Player’s adaptation ofthe play features James LePore as SidneyBruhl. LePore has acted with the Players inseveral performances, and has also appearedin five of Southern Maryland’s OriginalOne-Acts at the College of Southern Maryland.He is a professional voiceover artist anda Senior Ambassador of Rock (DJ). LePoresaid that he is “honored to work with the fantastically–talented Deathtrap cast”.The Player’s Peter Klug preforms asClifford Anderson in Deathtrap. Klug posesas first student and victim in the play, beforebecoming antagonist and fellow conspirator.As Anderson, Klug introduced the playwithin the play while drafting “Deathtrap”the script, while act two of “Deathtrap” thePhotos By Kimberly AlstonThe Newtowne Players will performGo to www.newtowneplayers.org for ticketsThree Notch Theatre: 21744 South Coral Drive, Lexington Park, Md. 20653play is going on. Klug makes his return tothe Newtowne Players, as Anderson, after athree year hiatus in which he earned a degreein Theater Arts in New York. Deathtrap isKlug’s first “non-academic” venue, and heexpresses his pleasure at the opportunity.Jennifer Carnahan, director of Deathtrap,makes her directorial debut with theplay and is,” very glad to have the opportunityto works with such an amazing cast andcrew. Carnahan has been involved in theatrefor 13 years, as an actress and has been apart of the Newtowne Players for the pasttwo years.The technical crew in Deathtrap couldnot be forgotten as it is apparent that muchtime went in to the design and timing of thelights, sound, and special effects. Withoutthe added assistance of the technical crew,the suspense of the play would not have hadthe same effect.The Newtowne Players perform DeathtrapThursdays through Sundays from August8 to August 18. Thursday, Friday andSaturday performances start at 8 p.m.; Sundayshows begin at 3:30 p.m. Performancesat held at the Three Notch Theatre on 21744South Coral Drive in Lexington Park.Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 forstudents, senior citizens and the military.Thursday shows are $10 general admission.Group rates are available for groups of 10 ormore. Light refreshments and beverages areavailable for purchase at the theatre.Reservations are recommended. Pleasemake reservations for the show by calling301-737-5447 or by visiting www.newtowneplayers.orgFor more information about volunteeropportunities or other upcoming programsby The Newtowne Players, visit www.newtowneplayers.orgor www.facebook.com/newtowneplayersnews@countytimes.net