“The definition of good old-fashioned entertainment.” Variety
Description
Ira Levin’s monumental Broadway success Deathtrap is an equal-parts thrilling and laughter-provoking, “who’ll-do-it.” This new edition includes an introduction by celebrated theatre critic Peter Filichia.
Once-revered playwright Sidney Bruhl has a string of recent flops to his credit, when he’s sent an instant-hit of a new play written by a novice former writing student. Is Sidney desperate enough to kill to claim the unknown work as his own? Envy, ambition, betrayal, and hidden agendas intertwine in this clever and intricately plotted comedic thriller. Laugh-out-loud dialogue and a series of gasp-inducing plot twists have kept audiences—and readers—on the edge of their seats for nearly fifty years.
The fifth longest-running play in Broadway history, Deathtrap’s hybrid comedy-thriller format was a new animal when introduced by Levin in 1978. Adapted into the hit film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, Edgar Award–winning Deathtrap remains one of the most frequently-produced plays, and was one of the inspirations for the 2019 film Knives Out.
Praise
“The definition of good old-fashioned entertainment.” Variety
“An absolute knockout of a suspense melodrama…and fun straight through.” New York Times
“It is a classic thriller, a genre with a style, a manner, and an audience of its own.” New York Post
“The intricately fashioned plot contortions brought gasps, the comedy lines drew delighted chortles.” Hollywood Reporter
“Two-thirds a thriller and one-third a devilishly clever comedy…Suspend your disbelief and be delighted. Scream a little. It’s good for you.” Cue
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Jan 6, 2025 |
| Release Date | January 7, 2025 |
| Release Date Machine | 1736208000 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Literature & Fiction, Drama & Plays |
Author Bio
The genre-defining works of novelist-playwright Ira Levin (1929–2007) include such indelible titles as Rosemary’s Baby, The Stepford Wives, The Boys from Brazil, and Deathtrap—the fifth longest-running play in Broadway history. At home in nearly every genre—horror (Rosemary’s Baby), crime (Edgar-winning A Kiss Before Dying), science fiction (This Perfect Day), comedy (No Time For Sergeants), even a Broadway musical (Drat! The Cat!)—Levin’s enduring works continue to resonate with readers and audiences, serving as iconic cultural and creative touchstones. Learn more at Levin’s official website, IraLevin.org.
Overview
Ira Levin’s monumental Broadway success Deathtrap is an equal-parts thrilling and laughter-provoking, “who’ll-do-it.” This new edition includes an introduction by celebrated theatre critic Peter Filichia.
Once-revered playwright Sidney Bruhl has a string of recent flops to his credit, when he’s sent an instant-hit of a new play written by a novice former writing student. Is Sidney desperate enough to kill to claim the unknown work as his own? Envy, ambition, betrayal, and hidden agendas intertwine in this clever and intricately plotted comedic thriller. Laugh-out-loud dialogue and a series of gasp-inducing plot twists have kept audiences—and readers—on the edge of their seats for nearly fifty years.
The fifth longest-running play in Broadway history, Deathtrap’s hybrid comedy-thriller format was a new animal when introduced by Levin in 1978. Adapted into the hit film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, Edgar Award–winning Deathtrap remains one of the most frequently-produced plays, and was one of the inspirations for the 2019 film Knives Out.