CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — “You know there was a murder around here last night?”
That was just one of the bone-chilling lines from the hit play, “Wait Until Dark,” that is being presented by the Chambersburg Community Theatre.
The story, which was originally written by Frederick Knott and was first performed on stage in 1966, was adapted for this weekend’s performance by Jeffrey Hatcher. The plot follows a young blind woman named Susy Hendrix, played by Community Theatre actress Amanda Cook, as she navigates a night of terror being pursued by murderous thieves.
The setting is New York in 1944. The action takes place in a small basement apartment where Susy and her new husband, Sam (Robert Bond) are living. Sam, who is a photographer by trade, had recently come into possession of a small doll that is the target of a cold-blooded killer and thief named Roat. Playing the sinister protagonist is a very talented actor named Aiden Yazell.
To help him achieve his goal of getting the doll, Roat underhandedly recruits the services of a disgraced police detective, Carlino (Aaron Trusky). The two men conceive a plan to manipulate the doll out of the hands of Susy, whom they perceive as an easy target. But when the lights go out, Susy has the advantage in the dark.
Rounding out the cast is John Bewley, who plays Mike, a lieutenant in the Army who is also a friend of Sam’s when he was a photographer during the war. He was on leave in New York and wanted to stop in and say hello to his old friend.
Adding humor to the story is the teenage character, Gloria. She is an upstairs neighbor who was hired by Sam to help Susy around the apartment. The colorful banter between the young helper and her at times stubborn ward help lighten the mood of the otherwise suspenseful action. A talented young actress named Brenda Hollingsworth plays the role and plays a big part in the final act of the story.
Building psychological tension onstage is not an easy task, but the cast and crew of “Wait Until Dark” pulled it off gloriously. Each character added a unique flair of innocence, creepiness and whimsy that is sure to keep audiences captivated.
But it was the performance of Amanda Cook as Susy that really leapt from the stage. Her moments of perceived helplessness added strength to a character that slowly pieces the criminal plot together using her other senses. Not easy to achieve for any actor, but Cook managed not only to create a believable character, but also one that audiences will cheer for.
Adding to the tense story was the perfect location for creating suspense. The apartment was a small, claustrophobic set designed by set designer Bryan Griffin. The 1940s feel to the décor and props were utilized under the guidance of stage manager AmieeBeth Davis.
However, it was the use of lighting, under the watchful eye of Chance Reecher and director Luke Spurgeon that truly builds the terror. When the lights go out, the audiences will feel their pulses quickening.
“Wait Until Dark” will be playing on stage at the Capitol Theatre’s Wood Center Theatre on Sept. 18-20. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., a double show on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m.
For ticket information and other theatre shows, visit thecapitoltheatre.org.
More from the Chambersburg Community Theatre is available at cctonline.org.
