Review by Cynthia Terry, Front Row Reviewers
Payson Community Theater brings the chilling play, Wait Until Dark to the stage at Payson Junior High School where the audience is plunged into the dark as a newly blind woman tries to survive a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Imagine finding yourself in a world that is completely black. You sense someone nearby, watching you. The sounds of footsteps tease your instincts, but when you call out, nobody answers. Are you crazy, or is somebody lurking in the dark just beyond your blind world?
As audience members arrive, a sense of jittery excitement fills the auditorium. A vintage set, designed by Victoria Larsen, lines the stage, planting us in a realistic basement apartment where a suspicious character wanders the stage well before any lines are delivered. I especially like the window that allows the audience to see backstage. It is expertly used to foreshadow when unwanted visitors are coming.
The sound design by Raele Carlson complements the suspenseful atmosphere with old-timey music at key moments. The microphones work flawlessly, picking up every well-delivered word. Lighting, managed by Jenny Cannon, plays a significant part of the experience. I especially love it when the only lights on stage are dark purples or reds that are barely bright enough to see the action while still maintaining the illusion that all the lights are off in the apartment.
Costume design by Jill Heiner and hair and make up by Hannah Anderson captures the feel of the accurate time period, grounding the characters in their 1940’s setting. Blocking by director Adam Cannon uses every inch of the stage effectively, especially in scenes where Susy senses intruders who are creeping around, signaling quietly to each other, building tension and suspense. A shoutout goes to Shaelyn Hayward, who diligently works behind scenes as the stage manager, making sure everything runs smoothly beyond our vision.
Ester Slaeker as Susy Hendrix demonstrates the power to control the emotions of every audience member. The moment she makes her first appearance on stage, a thick silence resonates throughout the entire auditorium as though the simple act of breathing could put the blind woman in more danger. Slaeker’s wit and sarcasm mask her character’s deep insecurities as she fights for both her life and her self worth. I enjoy watching her progress as she pushes doubts away and learns how to trust her instincts. She is a powerful role model for those struggling with challenging disabilities.
Harry Roat is my favorite character, not only because I love a good villain, but because the actor Craig Gardner nails the performance. His dedication to the role is evident as words slide naturally out of his mouth, keeping the audience engaged with his authentic accent and skilled storytelling abilities. The way he confidently toys with Susy as he comes unraveled is indescribably convincing, creating a jarring climax that keeps the audience invested until the very end.
Jane Champion’s portrayal of the bratty, yet complex character, Gloria, displays a big personality from her first entrance. Champion’s incredible acting abilities are made clear when she reveals that there is much more to her character than just being the irritating upstairs neighbor. As she opens up about her backstory, I can’t help loving her and wishing I could wrap her up in a big hug and tell her that she deserves better.
Kaden Renz as Mike Talman is instantly likable and brings a comforting charm that contrasts nicely with the play’s darker elements. His subtle facial expressions give his character a complexity that leaves the audience rooting for him.
Max Harker as Sam Hendrix convincingly portrays a protective husband, balancing concern with the need to empower his wife, Susy. I personally relate to his character as he tries to show Susy that he sees much more than her disability. He chooses her to be his spouse despite knowing that his marriage will always look differently than typical relationships. It hits close to home because I am married to a wonderful person who has a severe disability. I love that Harker plays his character so well that it strongly impacts me even though he doesn’t play the biggest role.
Being the first to step onto the stage, Michael Denton (Sgt. Carlino) sets the tone for the performance as he lurks in the dark, clearly searching for something. His posture and body language instantly tell a story before even one word is spoken. It’s difficult not to feel sympathy for the disgraced Sergeant as he gets tangled into something much darker than he originally planned for.
Director A. Cannon effectively brings a surprising amount of suspense to the audience. The energy jumps from a slow-paced start into a heart pounding situation as Susy unknowingly walks into an incredibly dangerous situation. From there on, the intensity never stops until the final, breathtaking showdown.
While A. Cannon expertly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, he also leaves us with the deep message that challenges do not define us. As imperfect human beings, we all have battles that we must face. Some trials are more obvious than others, but in every case, we can find our inner strength and develop a profound understanding of our worth. This message directly impacts me. As someone who lives with a severe mental disability, I struggle to face my day to day limitations. I am so grateful for this reminder that there is so much more to me than my personal battles. My strength and empowerment leave me limitless.
This production contains intense scenes and occasional adult language, which may not be suitable for all audiences. For those concerned with comfort, feel free to bring a cushion to sit on.
Wait Until Dark is an impactful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its riveting atmosphere, strong performances, and masterful direction, it’s an unforgettable experience that highlights the power of resilience and courage even through the darkest moments.
Payson Community Theatre presents Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
Payson Junior High School, 1025 S HWY 198, Payson, UT 84651
November 1, 2, 4, 8-9 7:30 PM
Tickets: $12 Available online or at the door.
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