The Alcove Dinner Theater is set to begin its 2025–26 season with the psychological thriller "Wait Until Dark" by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher. The play will run from October 24 to November 22, featuring performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., along with two special matinee luncheons on November 1 and November 15. Reservations can be made through their website.
Originally opening on Broadway in 1966, "Wait Until Dark" was directed by Arthur Penn and starred Lee Remick and Robert Duvall. The play also had a successful London premiere that same year. In 1967, it was adapted into a film starring Audrey Hepburn, who received an Academy Award nomination for her role.
Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation relocates the story to 1944 Greenwich Village, adding a wartime atmosphere. This version premiered at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles in 2013.
Samantha Turner, a Kenyon College theater graduate, will direct the production at the Alcove Dinner Theater. She expressed enthusiasm about bringing this suspenseful story to life: "Wait Until Dark is one of those shows that keeps you on the edge of your seat." Bruce Jacklin, scenic designer and artistic director, highlighted the immersive experience planned for audiences: "By placing the audience as close as four feet from the stage, we hope to create a space where the audience feels like they are in the same set of circumstances as the characters."
The cast includes Kylie Stadler-Hoams as Susan and Bruce Jacklin as Roat among others. The production team features both seasoned professionals and emerging artists such as stage manager Hannah Marshall and lighting designer Ian Fasure-Ernsberger.
The Alcove Dinner Theater combines dining with live performance, offering an intimate setting that enhances the theatrical experience. With "Wait Until Dark," theatergoers can expect an engaging evening of storytelling paired with community dining.
Information from this article can be found here.
