WILLIAMSBURG — Local actor and comedian Noel Goodman has taken to the stage as the leading actor in the Williamsburg Players current show, “Death Trap.”
“Death Trap” follows the story of Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of stage thrillers, who is struggling to overcome writer’s block which has left him with little money and a series of failed projects. However, that changes when a student turns in a play that he recognizes could be a hit. So, with the help of his wife, he begins to create a plot of suspense and thrills to get what he wants.
Goodman has been acting since he was a child with the Burton School of the Arts, however, after high school, he joined the Navy, spending eight years on the USS Gonzales and USS Thorn.
After leaving the military, Goodman started working at Liebherr mining company — in addition to performing stand-up comedy. He says his act usually finds him talking about growing up in Virginia, culture and growing up Jewish with a Catholic background.
He has a comedy room at K’bolá Cuban Restaurant, where once every month or two he’ll put on a show and invite people from Richmond, Virginia Beach and Newport News.
Goodman also took part in last year’s Last Word Comedy Festival, something he was unable to commit to this year due due to his role in “Death Trap.”
“I really wanted to do the play because I love acting,” Goodman explained about his choice. “I love the theater. I love the stage and I really, really, was looking forward to the opportunity of working with some great actors.”
Goodman is excited about his costars and the talent they bring to the stage, including Jonathon Aspin, currently a theater student at William & Mary.
When talking about the role of Sidney, Goodman believes he conveys strength and sadness in the paradoxical contest between someone formidable and someone who also been made small.
“I can understand that feeling of unfulfilled desire and how it can begin to pick away at your psyche in a way it does Sidney,” said Goodman. “I really enjoyed playing that and I really feel that I do a good job of relaying that to the audience.”
Goodman hopes audiences are stunned by the talented cast and crew of the show and can enjoy the story.
The show is currently running and will run on select dates through Feb. 16 at the James-York Play House in Williamsburg. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office. For more information visit the official website.
