By Kimberlee St. Clair
Whatever you do this weekend, do not miss Wait Until Dark–Highland City Art Council’s brilliantly performed production by Frederick Knott. This thrilling classic play, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, is the perfect way to finish a month of scares and terror. Cleverly directed by Angela Dell, Wait Until Dark is murder mystery tale full of suspense and surprises.
The set is a simple one, placed inside of a ground floor apartment in New York City, around 1945. Even though the space is limited, the kitchen includes era appropriate furniture, completely with an impressive ice box.
The story opens with two men discussing a common invitation to a stranger’s apartment by a man named Harry Roat (Eric Johnson). Sergeant Carlino (Scott Merrill), con man and criminal, plays the role of police officer well, in the beginning. He seems to easily switch back to being the criminal he really is when things don’t go as planned.
Mike Tallman (David Peterson) is the third part of this criminal trio. He is likeable and kind and convincing as a long-lost friend of Sam Hendrix (Rich Perkins). His ability to build trust and empathy with the audience as he seemed to be genuinely concerned with Susan Hendrix’s (Kelly Cook) well-being.
Both Mike and Sergeant Carlino were sent to retrieve a doll that was being used to transport illegal drugs. Sam unknowingly transports the doll on a train, after an unknown woman gives it to him. Shortly after arriving back at his apartment, the doll went missing. The two men were sent to retrieve a doll that was being used to transport illegal drugs. As their partner and head of the entire operation, Harry, becomes more and more insistent at finding the missing doll, the suspense within the tiny apartment builds. Harry is absolutely evil and ruthless in his desire to retrieve the missing doll, and the fear he brings to the stage is palpable.
The next morning, Sam heads out the door, leaving his wife Susan Hendrix, (played by Kelly Cook) at home alone, with a young girl named Gloria (Sienna Cullimore) to help if needed. Susan is surprisingly independent considering her recent blindness, but also shares some valid fears about how she will function without her husband. Cook’s performance is absolutely convincing and beautifully portrayed the fears, as well as the heightened senses and strengths of the blind woman. It was easy to feel her emotions and relate them to how scary the unknown is, especially in a place that should feel safe. Cook owned the show, moving around the stage with hesitation and ignorance to many of the dangers that lurked in the dark.
Gloria is a fascinating character, developing depth as she goes from being rude and indignant towards Susan, to showing kindness and a willingness to help her. Cullimore definitely adds her own touch to several scenes, creating a truly grounded character throughout the production.
Costumes by Ash Knowles and Lighting and Sound by Jennifer Lamoreaux bring Wait Until Dark a sense of reality, authenticity, and believability.
Come experience the suspense as Highland City Arts Council brings to life stealthy criminals who terrorize a blind woman and find themselves caught in their own game of cat and mouse, and the suspicion mounts as they all Wait Until Dark.
Appropriate for families, some loud sounds and voices.
The Highland City Arts Council present Wait Until Dark, by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffery Hatcher.
Highland Community Center, 5378 W 10400 N, Highland, UT 84003
November 1- 2, 4, 2019
Tickets: $8 – $10
Contact: 801-772-4523
Highland City Arts Council Facebook Page
Wait Until Dark Facebook Event
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