IT’S WORTH WAITING UNTIL DARK
Playwright Frederick Knott’s Wait Until Dark debuted on Broadway in 1966, set in the contemporary world of its time in Greenwich Village. Lamplighters is now presenting Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation, which moves the setting to 1944. Aside from this time shift and the removal of some minor characters, the storyline closely follows the original, which was famously adapted into the 1967 Audrey Hepburn film.
Before the real thrills begin, we learn that innocent newlywed Sam Hendrix has unwittingly transported a doll containing some sort of contraband. It was planted in his satchel by a criminal named Lisa, who panicked at the train station upon seeing police. Using the address on his bag, Lisa attempts to retrieve the doll from Sam, who–believing this was an innocent mix-up–tries to return the doll, but it has vanished. Lisa’s failure to produce the doll to her dangerous associates leads to her demise, setting the stage for a sinister interest in Sam’s apartment.
Yes, all of that has taken place before the play. Thus, the first half of Act I leans heavily on exposition to establish this backstory, which slightly slows the pacing. Fortunately, Knott and Hatcher effectively use this time to introduce the criminals: faux police officer Sergeant Carlino and the chillingly sociopathic “Mr. Roat.” Carlino is corrupt and dislikable, yes, but not nearly as lunatic and menacing as the criminal genius Roat, which makes him a fascinating antagonist throughout the show
The action unfolds in the Hendrix apartment after Sam goes on a business trip, leaving his young, blind wife Susan alone. Despite her determination to live independently, Sam has arranged for their self-absorbed teen neighbor Gloria, who lives upstairs, to assist her. Gloria’s missteps inadvertently complicate everyone’s plans as the criminals hatch a devious and perilous scheme to manipulate sightless Susan into revealing the doll’s location despite interference by Sam’s old army buddy, Mike. The tension builds as Susan pieces together what’s happening, leading to a gripping climax.
Vibrant and inclusive Lamplighters is a community theater, which means occasionally inconsistent performances. But here, the casting is excellent across the boards. While Sam’s role sounds large, he actually exits early in the play. Instead of being brusque, Jim Miller brings warmth and tenderness to the character’s somewhat terse dialogue with Susan, as Sam is trying to make her more independent. Susan, the play’s pivotal role, is masterfully portrayed by Shealyn Sailors, who adds more spunk and resolve than Hepburn, which heightens the suspense in Act II. Ashlyn Graves impresses as Gloria, showing remarkable poise for her age—astonishingly, she’s only twelve. Tanner Vidos provides welcome moments of relief as Mike, while Steven J. Jenson strikes the right balance as Carlino. The standout performance, however, is Bobby Imperato’s chilling portrayal of Roat, whose restrained ruthlessness is as unnerving as it is compelling.
Hatcher’s adaptation works beautifully. The film noir-style dialogue and atmosphere feel perfectly suited to the time period, and director Kara Tuckfield’s excellent pacing keeps us engaged. The shorter script is also a welcome improvement.
While you may have to “wait until dark” to see the evening performances (or catch a matinee), don’t wait too long—last night’s mid-run house was nearly full. Word has spread: this is one of Lamplighters’ most recommendable productions of the past year.
photos by Steve Murdock
Wait Until Dark
Lamplighters Community Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive
produced by Pamela Stompoly
Fri and Sat at 7:30; Sun at 2
ends on February 2, 2025
for tickets ($22-$27), call 619.303.5092 or visit Lamplighters
