"Wait Until Dark"

July 15, 2010 — The Barnstormers in Tamworth, New Hampshire, is observing its 80th season this summer. They're the oldest professional summer stock theatre in America, and the only ones still producing in the classic tradition — one new full-length production every week for eight weeks in July and August. In spite of this hectic schedule, which seemingly would leave little time for rehearsals, stage and costume design and the rest of the details that go into production of every play, The Barnstormers maintain a high level of talent and production values.

"Wait Until Dark," a play made into a movie in 1967 starring Audrey Hepburn, was The Barnstormers' offering this week. I think I saw the movie many years ago, but I had forgotten the plot details, so I found it as suspenseful as if I were seeing it for the first time. It concerns two blundering, incompetent, but nonetheless dangerous ex-cons and their "boss" who hatch an elaborate ruse to search a blind woman's home for a doll stuffed with narcotics they believe is hidden in the house.

Dee Nelson appears as the blind woman. She's one of my favorite actors in New Hampshire summer theatre. She has also appeared at the Peterborough Players where she won a New Hampshire Theatre Award for best supporting actress in "Heartbreak House" last summer. Her portrayal of a blind person in this play is realistic and convincing.

This production of "Wait Until Dark" is generally excellent, although the pacing is a little uneven. The action slows down annoyingly at intervals. Those are nitpicking complaints though. Overall, I loved the play. It comes to a smashing climax with the stage and entire theatre intermittently plunged into blackness as the blind heroine fights for her life against her last remaining tormentor. Lights go on and off, crashing and screaming are heard, in an amazing feat of timing and stagecraft.