Help Greensboro Honor Three Michael Caine Roles By Attending Two Local Plays

I haven't seen either play yet, but I have plans to see both Triad Stage's "Sleuth" and the Open Space Cafe Theatre's "Deathtrap."

In movie versions of these two plays, Michael Caine has played three different roles. In 1972, Caine starred in "Sleuth" opposite Laurence Olivier. Ten years later, he shared the screen with Christopher Reeve in "Deathtrap." Currently (though not yet in Greensboro), Caine appears in a 2007 version of "Sleuth"--this time he plays the role originally inhabited by Olivier, while Jude Law now fills Caine's original role.

Running from October 14th through November 4th, "Sleuth" is being performed every day except Monday, with 7:30 PM shows Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00 PM shows Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM shows every Sunday (except November 4th, which only has a 2:00 PM performance).

Triad Stage is one of downtown Greensboro's true treasures. The only regret I have regarding Triad Stage is that I didn't discover it sooner--I hate even thinking about all the shows I missed before "Dracula" provided me an introduction.

Triad Stage tickets range from $10.00-$42.00. A few tips: 1) the gallery seats overlooking the stage from both sides are only $10.00 a piece, are comfortable bar stools, and provide a fascinating perspective on the action and 2) educators only have to pay half price for their tickets. To get your tickets, call the box office at (336)-272-0160, order your tickets on-line, or just drop by Triad Stage at 232 South Elm Street. (Box office open 1:00-6:00 PM Tuesday-Friday, and you can visit the box office an hour before any production. You can't order the gallery tickets on-line.)

The Open Space Cafe Theatre is a more recently added jewel to Greensboro's theatre scene. I missed its first four plays, but I've been very fortunate to have enjoyed its last three. And I'm planning to see "Deathtrap," its current production. "Deathtrap is running from October 18th through November 3rd, with 8:00 PM performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 2:00 PM Sunday matinees.

I've loved all three of the productions I've seen at the Open Space Cafe Theatre: "The Mystery of Irma Vep," "Vanities," and "The Fantasticks." Located at 4609 West Market Street, this theatre can almost be entirely missed from the outside, but once you're inside, you're treated to an atmosphere that's a cool blend of intimate and casual. Seated at small tables, you can eat desserts and sip on drinks while enjoying a great show.

Adult tickets are $20.00, and tickets for students and seniors are $17.00. If you get together 8 or more people, there's a $2.00 discount off each ticket. (14 of us got together at Elizabeth's Pizza on Market Street prior to "The Fantasticks," enjoying a wonderfully entertaining evening together.) Also, students who arrive half-an-hour before the show can get tickets for $10.00 if there are any seats available. Call the box office at (336)-292-2285 and don't be afraid to leave a message if you get the voice mail. The theatre's staff is great about calling back to confirm your order.

While I haven't yet seen "Sleuth" or "Deathtrap," I feel fairly safe recommending both productions for local theatre-goers. If you haven't tried out Triad Stage and/or the Open Space Cafe Theatre, you're missing out on two of Greensboro's best entertainment offerings.