By Marilynn Wood
If you are hungry for that tingling feeling that slowly builds into terrifying thrills, then don’t miss Wait Until Dark at Brigham’s Playhouse in St. George, Utah.
Wait Until Dark was written by Fredrick Knott in 1966 and has since been performed hundreds of times in both large and small communities all over the country. It is a classic thriller, but not in the sense of zombies or aliens. The danger comes from a real life situation and Suzy Hendrix’s (Gloria Morin) vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that she is blind. Sam Hendrix (John Kessler), Suzy’s husband, is asked to bring a doll across the border on his way home from a business trip. Unknown to Sam and Suzy, the doll is full of heroin. Playing a blind woman without actually being blind is a difficult task, and Morin is totally believable. Her bumps, trips, and falls are authentic. It is as if she had her eyes closed, but she doesn’t and is completely authentic and believable. Kessler plays the overbearing husband with little sympathy for Suzy’s handicap. He brings light humor to a difficult character in modern times.
As the plot thickens, three thugs show up to find the doll. Mike Talman (Greg Belnap) poses as an old friend of Max’s dropping by for a visit. Belnap plays the roll well. He comes over as likeable and trustworthy even though you know he is playing her. Sergeant Carlino James McFadden, is sly and sneaky. I didn’t like him. He is always looming in doorways, wiping off fingerprints, and snooping into things looking for the doll.
The third thug is Harry Roat (Tyson Chanticleer), a truly nasty and distrustful character. Chanticleer engages the whole audience. I could feel his arrogant and condescending attitude toward everyone. He is sleazy and menacing and his already intense character rises to an incredible level at the climax.
Suzy’s only help throughout the play is a twelve-year-old girl, Gloria (Maryn Christensen), who lives upstairs. Christensen is exceptional. Her comical timing is spot on in one so young.
All good plays have a great backup team and this one is no exception. Brigham Playhouse’s small stage lends itself well to the quaint 1960’s apartment. Set Designer Tonya Christensen does a brilliant job of placing you in a small basement apartment. The Director is Jasmine Anderson, Sound Designer is Taylor Williams, Lighting Designer is Ryan Sant, and Costume Designer is Tina Forsyth—and this production team create an amazing, thrilling, and exceptional piece. This particular play has many vital cues which need to be spot on. Accolades to the technical staff for doing a seamless job on a difficult task.
With the Halloween season in full bloom, a scary play just might be what you are looking for and Wait Until Dark at Brigham’s Playhouse in St George, Utah will make you tingle and catch your breath. Don’t miss it.
Brigham’s Playhouse presents Wait Until Dark, written by Fredrick Knott.
Brigham’s Playhouse Wait Until Dark 25 North 300 W, Washington, Ut 84780 October 11 – November 16, 2019 Thursday — Saturday 7:00 PM, Matinee on Saturdays 2:00 PM
Contact: 435-251-8000
Tickets: $17 – $23
Brigham’s Playhouse website
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