Deathtrap

April 14-30, 2023

Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, is struggling to overcome a dry spell which has resulted in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college—a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. Sidney’s plan, devised with his wife’s help, is to offer collaboration to the student for co-credit. Or is it? DEATHTRAP provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness, and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.

 

Meet the Cast 

 

Vince Fay (Sidney Bruhl)

Vince is happy to be back on stage with Center Players. He previously has been seen in Jackie Robinson Steals Home, Neil Simon’s California Suite, and Same Time Next Year, as well as The Boys Next Door, The Dinner Party, Dial “M” For Murder, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  Most recently he was one of 12 Angry Jurors with the Main Street Players and spent time at Squirrel Lake, had some Bad Medicine, and dealt with the Dealer’s Choice at First Avenue Playhouse.  Enjoy the show.  I only murder when the moon is full.

June Ravert (Myra Bruhl)

June is thrilled to be cast in this production, as well as to work for the first time, under the direction of Jeff Caplan.  As an English/Theatre teacher, she loves to share her passion for the arts with her students.  She has directed many school productions in her 11-year career. Some of her favorite roles to date include Lola in Come Back, Little Sheba, M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Dr. Julia in Bad Medicine, and Cecilia in Men are Dogs. She is thrilled to be back on the Center Players stage where she was seen as Margot in Dial M for Murder as well as Marian in A Prelude to a Kiss.  Break a leg to cast and crew.  

Matt Pritchet (Clifford Anderson)

Matt is thrilled to be a part of his first show at Center Players. He was most recently seen portraying Mr. Boddy in Exit 82’s Clue. Previous stage credits include Justin in The Hoodie Play, Jimmy in Almost, Maine, and Katurian in The Pillowman on two occasions. He also wrote the short play Three’s A Crowd, which has been produced three times since 2021. 

He thanks Jeff Caplan for giving him this opportunity and the crew for all their stellar work. He’s honored to work alongside such a talented cast. A million thank you’ s to his family, his second family, and his friends for their infinite support. 

Kristine Alessi (Helga Ten Dorp)

Kristine has been involved in the arts since she was a young child. Trained as a classical pianist and vocalist, she also performed in musicals, dramas, and comedies.   After a long hiatus, she is enjoying her return to the stage at Center Players as Helga ten Dorp in Deathtrap.  She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and a wonderful director.

Pete Trabucco (Porter Milgrim)

Pete has been performing in New Jersey for many years. He is a pilot, travel and aviation/amusement park book author and has appeared many times on The Fox News Network, MSNBC, CNN, CNBC, NewMax, Fox Business and the Weather and Travel Channels. He currently has a radio show on WWDB AM 860 Talk Radio in Philadelphia (Beasley Media Group) where he interviews actors, sports figures, and other celebrities. Pete’s favorite roles include playing the Captain in Anything Goes - Villagers Theatre, Vice Principal Pance in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Algonquin Theatre, General Wavery in White Christmas at Ocean County College, Bill Austin in Mamma Mia at both the Pax Amicus Castle and the Brundage Playhouse and played Hans in the Perry nominated original 1st Avenue production of Sicilians in the Basement. Other shows have included the Diary of Anne Frank - Axelrod Theatre and It’s a Wonderful Life at the Kelsey Theater. Off Broadway, Pete has performed in Sex, Relationships and Sometimes Love at the Jerry Orbach Theatre (formally the Snapple Theatre) in NYC. He is thrilled to be doing this production of DEATHTRAP and working with such a talented cast. www.petetrabucco.com

 

Jeff Caplan (Director)

Jeff  is pleased to be returning to Center Players at the helm of this wonderful play with its talented cast and crew. Other past directing projects here include Laughter On the 23rd Floor, A Christmas Carol and Bus Stop.  He performs onstage as well.  Some memorable roles performed at Center Players include Father Flynn in Doubt, George in Chapter Two and George Deever in All My Sons.  Some other favorite roles include Doc in Come Back, Little Sheba at First Ave Playhouse, Johnny Friendly in On the Waterfront at Main Street Playhouse , Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire and Peter in At Home At the Zoom directed by the talented Dave McGrath.  He was nominated for a NJACT award for his portrayals of George in Of Mice and Men at South Street Players as well as Sammy in Blood Brothers with NENA Productions.  Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and dedication. 

Roberta Fallon (Producer)

Roberta is very pleased to be producing her 18th show for Center Players. She enjoys working as a producer, as it allows her the opportunity to work with many different directors, and to take part in the development of a show from first audition to opening night. She has appeared on Center Playhouse stage as Helen the Maid in A Doll's House, Mrs. Rodgers in And Then There Were None, and Irma Kronkite in Picnic. She most recently played multiple roles in “Classic Radio Road Shows” production of It’s a Wonderful life”. Roberta has served on the Business Board of the theater as secretary for many years. She is Vice-President and co-owner, with her husband Sheldon, of The Leigh Insurance Agency in Freehold. She is pleased to be working with this terrific cast and such a talented, professional director as Jeff. She thanks her husband Sheldon for encouraging her to join him at Center Players and being her biggest supporter. 

Chris Morano (Stage Manager) 

Chris has been stage managing for the past two years and is excited to be stage manager for the first time here at Center Players Theater. He has worked many performances at Brookdale Community College and First Avenue Playhouse. He would like to thank the director, Jeff, for giving him this opportunity as well as the cast of the show for being so great to him. He hopes to be able to do it again soon.