Red Barn Summer Theatre is gearing up for its first showing of the thriller “Wait Until Dark” tonight, June 24 to continue its 58th season.
“Wait Until Dark” opens tonight, Wednesday, June 24, and will run Wednesdays through Sundays for two weeks. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday matinees, which start at 2 p.m.
“Wait Until Dark” stands as a thriller with twists and turns that engage all audiences through its developing characters and lighting cues. The show exhibits lighting techniques new to many audiences as they attempt to see the action, relying on their hearing and spatial awareness to truly understand and experience some scenes unraveling before them. The lighting techniques are utilized to increase the thrilling atmosphere while paying tribute to the leading lady’s main character identification–blindness.
“Wait Until Dark” was written by Frederick Knott and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher; however, through the direction of Director Luke McLaughlin, the show has taken on a new form at the Red Barn Summer Theatre. Originally based upon the classic suspense film starring Audrey Hepburn, the show utilizes classic theatre tropes and cues to enthrall audiences of all ages.
“Wait Until Dark”:
In 1944, in Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a pair of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out the chilling conclusion of this classic thriller. This new adaptation modernizes the brilliant tension of Knott’s original play and builds on the 1967 film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Throughout the show, Susan is consistently doubting her abilities to function by herself due to consistent factors acting against her abilities that she has developed despite her condition. Through the aid of unsuspecting suspects, Susan formulates a plan that plays to her own strengths, weakening those who have not experienced the same challenges she faces on a daily basis, to overcome her own self-doubt and showcase her resilience to those she loves.
Cast:
“Wait Until Dark” features a smaller, six-person cast who fill the stage with their presence. With the cast ranging from fresh faces at the Red Barn to seasoned cast members, including Artistic Director Michael Taylor, the dynamics present on stage are electric.
Eloise Brown – Susan
Aaron Moon – Roat
Abi Hampton – Gloria
Michael Taylor – Mike
Matthew Reich – Carlino
Ben Brickner – Sam
Pre-show favorites:
Tonight, Wednesday, June 24, the Opening Night celebration of “Wait Until Dark” will feature the talented Frankfort musicians Jason and Gibson Wells on the Heather’s Flowers Music Stage from 6:15 p.m. until showtime at 7:15 p.m. This year, there will be music on the Heather’s Flowers Music Stage every evening except Sundays. Additionally, the Cellar is open before the shows and also during intermission, serving Whyte Horse wine and Sun King beer. “Wait Until Dark” has been brought to the community by Zachary Confections.
Get tickets:
Tickets for “Wait Until Dark” may be purchased on the Red Barn website at redbarntheatre.net or visit or call the Red Barn Box Office at 765-659-1657 Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or Sunday 12p.m. to 2 p.m. Red Barn Summer Theatre is located 2120 E. County Road 150 S. in Frankfort.
