The next theatrical endeavor is looming on the horizon. Auditions for “Deathtrap” (performing in June) are this coming Sunday and Monday at the theater. I somehow stumbled into directing two main stage shows this year (the second will be the fall musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee“). Originally, I was set to direct “Strangers on a Train” in this slot, but the rights fell through and now we are doing Ira Levin’s fun and twisty thriller. I am actually pretty happy things worked out this way as I have always had a fondness for it.

This will be the second time HART has done “Deathtrap.” The first time was back in 1989. I remember going to see it and being very disappointed in the production. All the black humor and plots twists were all handled in very heavy handed and obvious way with lots of “camp” humor. Ugh. Plus, the homosexual element had been removed entirely. That’s kind of a big deal. Those of you who know the show know what I am talking about. Also, some of the more technical challenges of the show were skipped leaving the climax of the show muddled, awkward and a little confusing.

So, I am hoping to get a good cast, defeat those technical challenges and have a great show that people really like. We’ll know when the show opens on June 3rd. [Crossed Fingers]