Dunes Arts Summer Theatre launches its 2026 season with Ira Levin’s wildly entertaining thriller-comedy “DEATHTRAP,” opening Friday, May 29, and running through Sunday, June 14.
Written by legendary suspense master Ira Levin — the acclaimed author behind “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Stepford Wives” — “DEATHTRAP” became one of Broadway’s longestrunning thrillers thanks to its razor-sharp wit, shocking twists and deliciously dark sense of humor. “DEATHTRAP” also reunites Kevin Lee Giese and Janet Davies, who previously shared the stage in Dunes Arts Summer Theatre’s 2025 production of “Misery.”
Set inside a secluded country home lined wall-to-wall with antique murder weapons, “DEATHTRAP” follows Sidney Bruhl (Giese), a once-successful playwright desperate for a comeback after a string of flops. When an irresistible script arrives from former student Clifford Anderson (Michael Bond), Sidney recognizes a guaranteed Broadway hit — with one problem: he didn’t write it.
Sidney and his wife Myra (Jann Iaco) devise a scheme to convince Clifford they should collaborate on the play. But when Clifford refuses to share credit, the evening spirals into a dangerous game of manipulation, betrayal and murder. Complicating matters further is the arrival of eccentric Dutch psychic Helga ten Dorp (Davies) whose unsettling visions threaten to expose everyone’s secrets. Also starring Steve Kozelka as the family attorney eager for a cut of the profits, “DEATHTRAP” delivers a delicious blend of suspense, dark comedy and nonstop surprises.
Sharp, cheeky and packed with shocking twists in the spirit of “Knives Out,” this “script to die for” will keep audiences guessing until the final curtain.
Performances of “DEATHTRAP” take place at Dunes Summer Theatre, located at 288 Shady Oak Drive in Michiana Shores, Indiana. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m. CT (8 p.m. ET), Sundays 2 p.m. CT (3 p.m. ET). Tickets and full season information are available at www.dunesarts.org.
ABOUT THE ACTORS
Michael Bond is a versatile stage actor based in southwest Michigan, with experience spanning contemporary drama, classic works and musical theatre. He most recently appeared as Dr. Gibbs in “Our Town” at The GhostLight Theatre and Edward in “Sense & Sensibility” at Twin City Players, continuing a body of work that blends classic and contemporary storytelling. He has frequently collaborated with The GhostLight Theatre, where he also serves as president of the board of directors, performing in “The Minutes,” “Significant Other” and “The Sound of Music” with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra.
Janet Davies spent 43 years as a television journalist in Chicago, Philadelphia and Cincinnati before retiring to the rural life of southwest Michigan. She spent 37 years at ABC7 Chicago as a reporter, host and executive producer, where she created and produced the Emmy Awardwinning, No. 1-rated “190 North.” Viewers also spent three decades with Davies during ABC7 Chicago’s live New Year’s Eve broadcasts. Nominated for 81 regional Emmy Awards, Davies has won 18 for hosting, producing, writing and reporting. She currently serves as board chair of The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts and is also a committee member of the Three Oaks Flag Day Parade. Davies holds a degree in communications and theatre from Miami University and is grateful to Dunes Arts Foundation for giving her the opportunity to put it to use again.
Kevin Lee Giese has worked as an actor, director, designer and vocalist for more than 40 years, appearing on stages throughout the region as well as in multiple films, most recently “Grave Deceptions” and “The Girls of Summer.” A graduate of Players Workshop of The Second City, Giese returned to his Dunes home last year as Paul in the highly successful production of “Misery” following an 11-year hiatus. Giese is best known at Dunes Arts Foundation for his 18 years of service as a director, actor, board member and past president. His directing and acting credits include “Guys and Dolls,” “Godspell” and “Hair,” as well as regional premieres of “Jekyll & Hyde,” “The Who’s Tommy” and “The Rocky Horror Show.” Many audiences also remember his unprecedented six-run portrayal of Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Giese is especially proud of his nine years as director of the theatre program at Portage High School, where he helped instill a love of theatre and performance in future generations.
Jann Iaco is thrilled to return to Dunes Summer Theatre, where she last appeared in “Other Desert Cities” in 2018. Iaco has performed at numerous Chicago-area theatres, including Raven Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, First Folio Theatre, The Trance, Chicago Dramatists and Fourth Wall Theatre Company, where she received a Jeff Citation nomination. She previously taught acting at the Victory Gardens Theater Training Center and worked as a stage manager at the Guthrie Theater. Iaco holds an MFA in directing from the University of Minnesota and is a CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development).
Steve Koselka graduated from Marquette University with a degree in theatre and has worked professionally with American Players Theatre. Over the past 20 years, he has appeared in numerous stage productions throughout the region. Koselka’s passion has always been theatre, and he welcomes every opportunity to perform.
ABOUT DUNES ARTS SUMMER THEATRE
The Dunes Arts Foundation, which operates Dunes Arts Summer Theatre and Education Programs, was incorporated in the State of Indiana in 1951 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Nestled within the woodsy dunes of Michiana Shores, Dunes Summer Theatre is located at about a half mile from the Indiana Dunes and the Lake Michigan shore at 288 Shady Oak Dr, Michigan City, Ind. As northwest Indiana’s longest-running summer theater program, Dunes Summer Theatre has provided professional theater productions for more than seven decades. This one-of-a-kind experience is a highlight of Harbor Country’s cultural fabric, promoting community spirit and embracing inclusivity, diversity and accessibility in all areas of operations. For more information or to purchase individual tickets ($35), senior/student tickets ($30), group sales ($25 for four or more) and season subscriptions ($150) please visit www.dunesARTS.org or call (219) 879-7509. Follow along on social media @dunesartsfoundation.