Upstage Productions To Debut With DEATHTRAP At Empire Stage This October

Upstage Productions, the brand-new theatre company founded by actress, singer, auctioneer, and businesswoman Janice Hamilton, will make its debut this fall with Ira Levin’s Deathtrap. The production will run October 10–November 2, 2025, at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.

Levin’s Deathtrap (Rosemary’s Baby) is a masterfully crafted comedy-thriller that mixes gasp-inducing suspense with sharp humor. The play follows Sidney Bruhl, a once-successful playwright whose career has faltered. When a young former student arrives with a brilliant new script, Sidney sees his chance to return to glory—but the twists, turns, and betrayals that follow keep audiences on edge until the very end.

Hamilton brings decades of theatrical, television, and film experience to her new role as producer. A familiar face on South Florida stages, her credits include City of Angels and Crazy for You (Jupiter Theatre), RX and Gingerbread Lady (Boca Stage), The Savannah Sipping Society and Morning After Grace (Pigs Do Fly Productions), and Don’t Dress for Dinner (Caldwell Theatre). She has toured nationally in Viagra Falls, appeared Off-Broadway in The Dutchman and Be Happy For Me, and acted in films including Boynton Beach Club, Just My Type, and the Hallmark movie A Royal Makeover.

“I chose Deathtrap as our opening production because I adore the murder-mystery genre and thought the timing was perfect in conjunction with Halloween,” said Hamilton. “Plus, Deathtrap is a comedy and pure escapism—something I believe we all need in the present social climate.”

The production will be directed by Hamilton’s longtime collaborator DK Kondelik, who will also serve as prop master and set dresser. “Whether on stage or in the classroom, we strive for artistic excellence that entertains, challenges, and inspires,” Kondelik said. “Our mission is to celebrate the joy of live performance while elevating voices and provoking meaningful dialogue.”

Ticket Information