2009.09.23
Showtimers' "Wait Until Dark" opens Sept. 30
It's time for another show at Showtimers and if you like suspense, this is it. 'Wait Until Dark' will be showing beginning September 30 through October 11. A story by Frederick Knott, about a young blind woman who is face with a mystery when her husband leaves for the day and leaves her alone in the apartment. During which time she is visited by several people looking for- something.
The show will be directed by Phil Boyd and produced by Cris Emerson. James Wise, Jr. is assistant director.
Auditions were held following Showtimers last production, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.
"We always hold auditions preceding the final show. We started about four weeks ago. Luckily the summer ended and there was a break there so I gave them the scripts and they were able to start rehearsing."
Boyd describes 'Wait Until Dark' as a thriller and says that you wouldn't want to bring small children to see the show.
"It's bout a blind woman and these three bad guys come in to her home. One of them is a real thug and one is really intelligent- but a real nasty guy. He's real calm about how he talks and you know right off the bat he has no problem in killing her. She accidentally got a hold of a doll that has drugs in it and tthey come in and hunt for it.
Heather Smith, who double majored in Theater and Art, plays main character Suzy Hendrix, the blind woman.
Other cast members include Owen Merritt, who plays Mike Talma, Jeff Roberts, who plays Sgt. Carlino, Joel Gruber, who plays Harry Roat, Jr., Michael Boyd, who plays Sam Hendrix, Kelly Mangum, who plays Gloria, Chris Padgett, plays a policeman.
"The cast is wonderful. They work well together. I feel lucky to have gotten some of these people. It's going great. We've had a couple of problems with props. We've got breakaway bottles coming and all kinds of stuff we have ordered," Boyd said. "It's a 70s show so there is a part in it where there is a complete blackout where the actors cant see anything. its a complete blackout. and the only thing you can see at one point is when he lights a match
Boyd said he'd guess that it will take about 20 people total to pull off the show, including costume designer, back stage workers, and set designers.
This is Boyd's fourth show, that he has directed. Born and raised in Roanoke, Boyd majored in theater in college. For about 14 years he lived in Los Angeles, California where he was a professional high diver and got involved with Showtimers with help from a friend once he moved back to Roanoke.
"I've been in probably 17 shows at Showtimers," he said. "I love being on stage. I love directing and it's a lot of fun, but I most love being on stage. I do if for the hands clapping from the audience."
Boyd said that when he went blind he was forced to retire and has found solace in directing and acting at Showtimers. Before retirement, Boyd was a teacher at Craig County High School where he taught drama.
Emerson said that she is very excited to be working for the very first time as producer of 'Wait Until Dark'. She has acted and stage managed other shows before.
"It's wonderful. Everybody's excited to open and we are right on schedule," she said.
Emerson was a speech and drama major in college and got involved with Showtimers because her husband has been involved with Showtimers.
The show will be performed at Showtimers, located at 2067 McVitty Road, SW on Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children.
To order tickets, call our box office at (540) 774-2660 or (877) 336-9294, toll-free. You may also email your requests to boxoffice@showtimers.org
Tickets are also available online. Click this link, type in 'Showtimers' as the search word, and select the show and date. Please note that there is a $1.50 charge added to each ticket when ordered online. This fee does not apply to tickets purchased directly through our box office, whether by cash, check or credit card.
To view photos from a recent 'Wait Until Dark' rehearsal, view our slideshow above, or click here for a more traditional view.
