Don't wait to see "Wait Until Dark"

Contributed by Lin McNulty

Glenn Close says “good, live theatre disturbs molecules.” And in the instance of “Wait Until Dark” at the Orcas Grange, it also suspends the collective breath.

Doug Bechtel directs this mesmerizing play of a blind woman conned by a group of thugs, and more specifically, appallingly terrorized by one unsettllingly sociopathic character. The 1967 film ranks tenth on Bravo’s “100 Scariest Movie Moments” for its riveting climax.

Bechtel was looking for a thriller to produce this year, and wanted to bring “Wait Until Dark” to the Grange stage, but was concerned the set was too complex for a small venue. So when Bill Westlake presented him with workable drawings, he was thrilled. Together they built the most elaborate set, yet, at the Grange.

Melinda Milligan’s exquisite depiction of the blind Susy Hendrix presented a challenge that brought her an opportunity to study what it is like to be sightless. She does not, she indicates, “see” the other players on the stage. Rather, she relies on her other senses to “feel” them. And she found it exhilarating to “go to that place of desperation,” and find an ability to deeply scream.

Freddy Hinkle’s rendition of Roat is, quite simply, horrifying and frightening. “Malevolent and malicious, Roat runs so deeply against my nature,” Hinkle relates, “that at the end of our daily rehearsals, I feel a tinge of remorse. I almost feel a need to apologize to the other players.” In preparation for this role, he says, “I cut my hair, grew a beard, and
learned how not to smile appropriately.”

Ten-year-old Adia Dolan’s role as the neighbor Gloria is vital and stunningly portrayed. She expressed how fun it is to be on stage, especially since she gets to be such a “sassy girl.”

The cast is well-rounded by Ron Herman as Susy’s husband Sam. John Mazzarella and Fred Vinson as the creepy con men Mike Talman and Carlino provide the bones in which the fright unfolds.

There are extended periods of total darkness during this play. It is during these times that the audience is able to perceive the horror experienced by Susy as she is unable to see what is happening and must, for survival, rely on those senses that we all take for granted.

Thursday night’s performance was a benefit for Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare Center. “Kaleidoscope is fortunate,” says Amber Paulsen, Director “to be this year’s beneficiary.” Although they would like to earmark the funds for their building fund, Kaleidoscope is grateful to have the proceeds to apply to their basic operations, Paulsen says, “which is crucial in efforts to help the many families that are hard-pressed right now.”

The play will continue to thrill this Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, as well as next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 27, 28 and March 1. Curtain is at 7:30 pm. Remember to breathe!

Tickets at Darvills in Eastsound and at the door.