The Barnstormers Theatre presents "Deathtrap", a murder-mystery-comedy by Ira Levin, from August 11 to 15 in Tamworth, NH.

Successful Broadway playwright Sidney Bruhl is in a dry spell until a student shows him a script that Bruhl thinks could be a hit. He decides to steal the script, sell it as his own and murder the real author, with his wife's help. Needless to say, things don't work out as he planned.

"Deathtrap is a brilliant plot-oriented play," says Bob Shea, artistic director of The Barnstormers Theatre. "It's probably one of the best American examples in the genre of murder mysteries and suspense thrillers."

Scott Severance plays Sidney, having previously appeared at The Barnstormers in "The Weir" and last year's "Toad of Toad Hall." A veteran actor with more than 300 credits as actor or director, Severance has appeared as Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" (six different productions) Herbie in "Gypsy" (Stoneham), the title role in "Galileo" (UMass-Lowell), Captain Hook in "Peter Pan" (Wheelock), and Nick O'Leary in "Shear Madness."

Barnstormer favorite Jean Mar Brown ("Toad of Toad Hall," "The Gin Game," "Lettuce and Lovage" and more) returns as Myra Bruhl. Brown has also appeared on television, film, and in 2007 won the Barnstormers' Audience Choice Award for Best Actress for her performance in "You Can't Take it with You."

Christopher Salazar appears as young playwright Clifford Anderson. He has previously appeared at the American Shakespeare Center, Barter Theatre, and the Enchantment Theatre's national touring company, among others. Penny Purcell, veteran of 31 summers with The Barnstormers, plays psychic Helga Ten Dorp, and Dale Place (fresh from his lead role in "Harvey") is lawyer Porter Milgrim. Blair Hundertmark, artistic director of the NH Theatre Project, directs.
               
The longest-running comedy-thriller on Broadway, "Deathtrap" was nominated for a Tony award for best play in 1978. Cue Magazine called it "Two-thirds a thriller and one-third a devilishly clever comedy," while Time Magazine said, "If you care to assassinate yourself with laughter, try Deathtrap."

Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, plus a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $24.50 to $29.50 for evening shows and $15 to $20 for matinees. Friday night is Family Night, with family groups (containing at least one person age 18 or under) admitted for half price, available on the day of the show. Saturday matinees are $10-$15 for youth 18 and younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 603-323-8500 or visit the web site at http://www.barnstormerstheatre.org.