The mystery thriller, “Wait Until Dark,” opened last weekend at Theater 29. Set in 1960 Greenwich Village, New York, this haunting tale follows three ex-con men on a desperate search for a drug-filled doll that leads them to the apartment of a young blind woman oblivious to the dangers the doll holds. Reporter Rebecca Havely attended the play and offers this review of the production…
“Wait Until Dark,” by Fredrick Knott, is directed by Ben Bees, and stars Lizzie Schmelling, who shines in her role as the blind victim, Susy Hendrix, with great strength. Susy and her husband Sam, played by Adam Redmon, have a nice chemistry as a happy couple unaware of the dangers to come. Two small-time ex-cons played well by Scott Clinkscales and Andrew Whitaker are roped into a scheme by big time con-artist Harry Roat, played by Cyrus Short. Roat pretends to be several characters throughout the scam but Short is most impressive when his character comes unglued as the mystery unwinds. The blind woman gets assistance in defending herself from a young neighbor girl, Gloria. Twelve-year-old actress Amanda Mohn’s character has a strange demeanor and she plays the awkward character exceptionally well. Director Ben Bees unfolds the characters and plot with attention to detail as the mystery peaks at its surprising climax. The lighting design and effects play an integral part in the piece as the rainy night shows through the basement apartment windows on the nicely designed set, adding to the suspense of this entertaining thriller.
“Wait Until Dark” continues its run at Theater 29 weekends through May 9 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sunday, April 19, and Sunday, May 3. Tickets are $12 for regular admission, $10 for seniors and military and $8 for children under 12 and students with ID. Call 760-361-4151 for reservations or visit theatre29.org.
WE REVIEW “WAIT UNTIL DARK” AT THEATRE 29
