"Wait Until Dark" Delivers at the Westchester Playhouse

Although I’ve enjoyed larger productions over the years, sometimes it's nice to attend a local venue. A real bargain on the west side is the Westchester Playhouse, where the cast and crew work in earnest to bring several productions a year to life.

This weekend, we were fortunate enough to enjoy their rendition of "Wait Until Dark," taking me back to the ‘60s when Audrey Hepburn graced the big screen.

Kudos to the entire cast who gave it their all. I was particularly impressed with Samantha Barrios whose ability to emulate a blind woman was spot on. How these actors navigate the stage in total darkness was daunting.

Adrenalin fueled the second act, escalating the tension, and to those familiar with the script, the final crescendo delivered a nail-biting surprise with fright, and intrigue.

If you haven't been to the Westchester Playhouse in awhile, it's a refreshing treat. The theater is relatively small, giving easy access to viewing the stage. Parking is free, and supporting local artists is one of the primary reasons that I like to go.

WHO: Kentwood Players presents WAIT UNTIL DARK, a suspenseful thriller by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher. The production is directed by Kathy Dershimer and produced by Jenny Boone by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc. Featured in the cast in alphabetical order are Samantha Barrios, Stanley Brown, Ty Budde, Harold Dershimer, Brian Roach, and Ixchel Valiente.

WHAT: WAIT UNTIL DARK is set in 1944 Greenwich Village. Susan Hendrix, a blind, yet capable woman, is imperiled by a team of men in her own apartment. Aided by her difficult young neighbor Gloria, and Mike, her husband's Marine buddy, Susan must fight for her life against ruthless criminals, led by a sociopath, Roat. The men believe she has a doll hidden somewhere in her apartment that is more than just a toy, and they do not want to play. As the tension builds, Susan discovers her blindness might be the key to her escape, but all must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion. This adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of Frederick Knott’s 1966 Broadway original, premiered at the Geffen Playhouse in 2013.

WHEN: Opens Friday, September 9 through Saturday, October 15 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00pm

WHERE: Performances take place at the Westchester Playhouse, located at 8301 Hindry Avenue in Westchester, CA 90045.

HOW: Reserved seat tickets are $20 with a $2 discount for seniors and students. To purchase tickets, please call (310) 645-5156 during box office hours, Wednesday through Saturday from 4:00-7:00pm. You may also purchase tickets online atwww.kentwoodplayers.org. For group ticket sales of 10 or more, please call the box office for group rates.