Wait Until Dark
Wait Until Dark
by Frederick Knott | Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
October 30 – November 14, 2015
Following the success of critically acclaimed productions of THE PILLOWMAN, NYIT Outstanding Revival Nominee 2015 TALK RADIO, and ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST; Variations Theatre Group will present a newly adapted version of the classic thriller, WAIT UNTIL DARK, never before seen within the five boroughs of New York City, opening on October 30, 2015 at The Chain Theatre. Forty-seven years after WAIT UNTIL DARK premiered on Broadway, Jeffery Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott’s 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind, yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment, tormentors who will stop at nothing to get what they want. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormenters must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s shattering conclusion.
This chilling new version of WAIT UNTIL DARK under the direction of John Arthur Long and VTG Artistic Director Kirk Gostkowski will include: Christina Elise Perry* (Fool for Love) as Susan Hendrix, Paul Terkel (The Pillowman) as Mike, Patrick Pizzolorusso* (The Last Cyclist) as Sam Hendrix, David Rey (The Bear) as Carlino, Schuyler Press (Theresa Is A Mother) as Gloria, Kelsey Bowens (The Adventures of Nicholas Nickelby) as Lisa, and Kirk Gostkowski (Talk Radio) as Roat.
REVIEWS
“Director John Arthur Long builds suspense and deception with a well planned strategy… Gostkowski excels as the ruthless murderer…His withering stare and wild, wild outbursts are perfect for this production. Christina Elise Perry’s well blended combination of vulnerability, stubbornness and intelligence help add to the drama’s suspense… Irritating police sergeant Carlino (David Rey) earns our dislike and our suspicions. It’s Mike (Paul Terkel) who demonstrates the greatest ambiguous emotions and confusing loyalties… Kudos to everyone behind the scenes.”
— Cliff Kasden, A View From the Cliff
“As blind Susan Hendrix, played by a radiant Christina Elise Perry… captures this once strong and sighted woman who now feels helpless. Paul Terkel and Christina Perry have terrific chemistry. Gostkowski dazzles with his abilities. He is scary, funny, disturbing and disgusting all at once.”
— Kevin Zimmerman, Times Ledger
“The set is absolutely beautiful and realistic, from the rain dripping outside the window when the play opens to the props and set pieces on the stage. The refrigerator and stove are authentic and the lighting is clever and perfect and draws you in from the moment you enter. Production Design for WAIT UNTIL DARK is by Aaron Gonzalez. Christina Elise Perry delivers. From the minute the play opens, you get the sense that this young woman is blind and vulnerable in unimaginable ways. There is no doubt that she is about to go on a journey that will test her and perhaps scar her forever. Perry is talented and focused and real in the part. As the psychotic Roat, company founder, co-director and actor, Kirk Gostkowski, is a menace. His “Roat” is weird and at times funny in a scary, disturbing way. His final scenes are fun to watch. He is threatening from the start and if you don’t already know the story, there are moments that will surprise and shock you and give you an added jolt. Overall, every character carries his or her weight in terms of performance and has standout moments during the play, including Paul Terkel as Mike, Patrick Pizzolorusso as Sam Hendrix, David Rey as Carlino, Kelsey Bowens as Lisa. But I would not feel right if I didn’t point out one performance in particular: a special shout out goes to the young Schuyler Press who plays Gloria. She was spot-on perfect and does an outstanding job. This youngster has a future in acting.”
— Roger Gonzalez, Local Theatre NY
Poster Design by Rebecca Kollmer & Poster
Photography by Sean MacBride Murray
Still Photography by Matt Wells
production team
Director: John Arthur Long & Kirk Gostkowski
Production Designer: Aaron Gonzalez
Associate Production Designer: Kelsey Bowens
Sound Design: Greg Russ
Assistant Lighting Designer: Christian Neely
Stage Manager: Rafaella Rossi
Producer: Greg Cicchino
Starring
Susan Hendrix: Christina Elise Perry*
Mike: Paul Terkel
Carlino: David Rey
Gloria: Schuyler Press
Sam Hendrix: Patrick Pizzolorusso*
Lisa: Kelsey Bowens
Roat: Kirk Gostkowski
*Actors appearing courtesy of Actors Equity Association