Susan Hendrix is the living embodiment of the refusal to let your limitations define your life.
She’s a character pushed to her limits in Howick Little Theatre’s production of English playwright Frederick Knott’s classic thriller Wait Until Dark.
The edge-of-your-seat stage play is directed by Carlos Lehmann and adapted for the modern stage by Jeffrey Hatcher.
It centres on Susan, a blind woman living with her husband Sam in their humble basement apartment in the 1940s New York City suburb of Greenwich Village.
Actor Julia Kellett delivers a compelling performance as Susan, alongside Grae Minors as her devoted spouse.
Despite having lost her sight, she’s determined to live as independently as possible.
Her and her husband’s lives are thrown into turmoil when a seemingly innocuous doll is covertly placed in his bag during a train ride home.
This simple act brings them into conflict with a group of conmen more than happy to resort to violence to retrieve their property.
The crooks are led by the scheming Harry Roat, played with menace by Cameron Smith.
He’s joined by Sergeant Carlino, an ex-cop turned grifter in search of a major payday, played by Karl Fleet.
There’s also Mike Talman, a mysterious old family friend with an apparent connection to Sam, played by Bruno Batistela.
Completing the small but talented cast is Gloria, a feisty young girl living upstairs, played with poise by Nicole Johnson.
As the play’s story develops, Susan becomes more determined.
In the opening scene, she needs Sam to help her navigate her way across their apartment.
But by the end, she’s found the ability and strength to fight for her life, and has created a way to use her blindness to her advantage in the struggle against those determined to cause her harm.
She’s ably assisted by Gloria, who evolves from a troublemaker and nuisance to a reliable ally.
This is a play featuring themes of courage, loyalty, betrayal, deceit, and overcoming adversity.
It has sporadic humour sprinkled throughout and the story will have the audience’s empathy for Susan increasing due to the terrifying situation she’s in.
All the action takes place in Susan and Sam’s apartment, so there’s a focus on the dynamics between characters and the storyline rather than using any exotic locations.
Audiences should pay close attention. As the elaborate deception evolves in the first half, characters may not be who they claim, with tension building to a nail-biting second act and unexpected finale.
Wait Until Dark
Directed by Carlos Lehmann
Howick Little Theatre, 1 Sir Lloyd Drive, Pakuranga
Season: September 9-30, with shows at 8pm, and a 2pm matinee on September 17.
www.hlt.org.nz
