Two engrossing productions - "Deathtrap" and "And Then There Were None" - await you at the Sunset Playhouse and Waukesha Civic Theatre, respectively.

Is this coincidence or good Halloween strategy?

"Deathtrap," a classic piece that’s been around for over 30 years, was written by Ira Levin, the same man who gave us "Rosemary’s Baby," "The Stepford Wives" and "No Time for Sergeants," just to name a few.

But "Deathtrap" is his marquee success, still holding the record for the longest-running comedy-thriller on Broadway.

Five distinct characters comprise the cast: Sidney Bruel, the crusty playwright who is suffering an arid period at the moment; his nervous wife, Myra, whose ambiguous motives pique our curiosity; his adoring, talented student Clifford Anderson; Bruel’s neighbor, Helga ten Dorp, whose powers of ESP prove enlightening, as well as troublesome; and Bruel’s lawyer Porter Milgrim, whose greed becomes apparent late in the game, when he joins all the others with the same affliction.

The simple story line involves a play recently written by Clifford Anderson and given to Sidney Bruel to critique. Sidney is very impressed with its quality and begins to wonder how he could steal it and make his own comeback with its ensuing success.

Besides collecting awards for his writings, Bruel also collects old weapons, which reflect the types used in his own mystery thrillers. These become more than collector’s items as the plot unfolds.

Since this production is a mystery, I can’t spoil the story for future attendees, but I will say that greed provides impetus for many crimes, and all five characters suffer from this aberration to some degree.

The psychic provides some comedy along the way. Sally Marks was perfect for the role.

Paul Troglia and Mark Neufang both mastered their roles as the almost-desperate, fading writer and the confident, creative upstart, each battling for a return to or first taste of recognition and stardom.

Their fight scenes are well choreographed and executed. We find ourselves pulling for the younger writer all the way until the denouement when poetic justice takes over.

Donna Daniels and Glen Villa are also credible in their roles. The set, with its unusual accoutrements, its use of red and its many levels, serves the play well. Michael Desper continues to do his magic. The sound design by Jan Pritzl and Mark Salentine, especially between scenes, affords a nice comic touch.

Mystery fans won’t go wrong with this one. It will keep you guessing all the way.

Every step of this twisty journey culminates in one more surprise. Director Salentine excels.

The show runs through Nov. 14. Call (262) 782-4430 for times and tickets.