Wait Until Dark Program Cover
Play by Frederick Knott
Review by Ernest Edwards
Dark and Stormy is starting the 2026/2027 theatre season with the thriller Wait Until Dark. This play is the first play of Dark and Stormy Productions 14th season and is playing at the Gremlin Theatre. With this play, the Dark and Stormy season is off to a strong start.
I had never heard of this play before. I did some research and this play is from 1966, and received the Hollywood treatment in 1967. I have not seen the movie either. I’ll have to add that to my to do list for movies. I definitely recommend seeing this story live on stage. Dark and Stormy not only has a good story to tell with this play, but also has a strong cast.
The play takes place in a basement apartment located in Greenwich Village in New York City. There is a trio of crooked men looking for a doll that the husband was given in Montreal. I think the doll is full of drugs, probably cocaine. The trio waits for the husband, Sam, to leave and tries to persuade his blind wife to hand over the doll. They use the ruse of an old friend and a police sergeant to try to gain familiarity and access to the apartment in order to look for the doll.
The blind wife Susy, and the neighbors child Gloria, do figure out these guys are up to no good and how can they stop the schemes of these men and survive the night.
This play has a great cast. The husband Sam Hendrix is played by Josh Jabas, the wife Susy Hendrix is played by Sara Marsh, Gloria is played by Madelyn Tax, Mike Tasman is played by Paul LaNave, Sgt. Carlino is played by Bob Malos, Harry Roat Jr. is now being played by Paul De Cordova. Since the program was printed Paul De Cordova has taken over the role of Harry Roat Jr. Who is the mastermind or puppeteer behind this caper. He is perfect for this role, as is Sara Marsh as Susy Hendrix.
The Scenic Design by Bobbie Smith and the Lighting Design by Shannon Elliott really added to the story and were vital parts of the story for this production. What I found nostalgic was the rotary telephone on the wall. Remember that? Just one phone for the residence with no caller id.
If you like thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the play for you. The play continues through September 13, 2026. Check out www.darkstormy.org for tickets.
