The Raven Playhouse is currently hosting Rogue Entertainment?s production of Frederick Knott?s heart-stopping thriller, ?Wait Until Dark?. Susy Hendrix (played by Erin Neumeyer) is blind and left alone for the weekend while her husband Sam (played by Nick Cain) is on business. Upon his departure, a con-man named Roat (Michael J. Beahm) and two former felons Mike (Alexandar Castaneda) and Carlino (Cory Madsen) begin to weave Susy into a web of deception.
Sam had misplaced a priceless doll that a stranger had asked him to transport across the Canadian border. Unbeknownst to Sam and Susy, the doll contained several grams of heroin sewn into its bodice. Roat, Mike, and Carlino prey upon Susy and lead her to believe that Sam was involved in the stranger?s murder in order to attain the doll.
While blind, Susy is smarter than the con-men give her credit for. She has heightened senses to sound, touch, and scent and begins to realize that she is being misled. Taking matters into her own hands, she levels the playing field by turning off all the lights and taking on her attackers.
?Wait Until Dark? is a sharply written drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Functioning as a language play, it can be easy to lose key plot points if played incorrectly. The ensemble initially struggles within the show?s first act. Even so, each of the characters maintains a strong stage presence. Most notably, Erin Neumeyer portrays convincing blind woman who struggles with her surroundings rather than playing the victim. As the role of Mike Tallman, Alexandar Castaneda establishes a strong relationship with Susie as both a con-man and his true self. The show?s youngest cast member, Jessica Mahon who plays Gloria, develops an interesting take on her character filled with teen angst and frustration.
The intimate theater is a perfect setting for this show as it truly feels like a small Greenwich Village apartment customized with the Hendrix?s mementos and photos. Much credit is due to Eric Svaleson, the show?s scenic director. Likewise, Corwin Evans skillfully designed frightening and edgy music to accompany the production.
The show?s pivotal scene takes place between Roat (Michael J. Beahm) and Susy (Erin Neumeyer) in complete darkness. The power play between both characters is noteworthy and keeps the audience one the edge of their seats. Rogue Entertainment?s production of ?Wait Until Dark? is a moving portrayal of Susy?s capacity to overcome her disability in the midst of great terror and fear.
?Wait Until Dark? runs at the Raven Playhouse from August 3rd-September 2nd. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays begin at 8 and at 7 on Sunday. The Raven Playhouse is located at 5233 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. For more information or to purchase tickets go to www.RogueEntertainment.org or called the reservation line at?????????323-960-5770???????????.
