Needham Community Theater Performs 'Night Watch' Tonight

Suspenseful thrills are in store for visitors to Newman Elementary School this weekend, but it's may not be what you think.

Beginning tonight the Needham Community Theater (NCT) will be performing "Night Watch," a play by Lucille Fletcher, at the school. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

The play first opened on Broadway in 1972 to rave reviews and it has been reprised many times in the forty plus years since. This production is directed by Frank Moffett who also directed NCT's spring performance of "Arsenic and Old Lace."

Moffett describes the show as a suspenseful thriller where the difference between reality and illusion is lost in a chilling web of intrigue and deception.

"Apparent illusions combined with existing reality and haunting memories are the major elements," he said. "The play asks us whether or not it is human nature to deceive others for personal gain."

The main character of Elaine Wheeler, played by Erin Stulb, is a wealthy Manhattanite who believes she has witnessed a murder. However, she has trouble convincing her husband, friends and police of this. Strange events continue to occur and Elaine no longer knows if she can trust those close to her or even if she can trust herself.

In addition to taking on the lead role, Stulb is also the organization's publicity chairperson.

The group has been rehearsing rigorously since February in preparation for Friday night's opening. This performance marks NCT's 53rd season and the group has put on over 100 shows since its inception.

The cast of "Night Watch" also includes Terence Noonan as Elaine's husband John and Seth Stadfeld, as Officer Vanelli. Both men are Needham residents.

Noonan, who makes his debut with the NCT in "Night Watch" describes the experience as, "Incredible. In addition to incredible acting, spot on directing, stupendous lighting, costumes and set designers, the best thing is to be a part of this long-standing tradition here in Needham. Next to the Needham/Wellesley football game on Thanksgiving, NCT may be the oldest continuous tradition in town."  

Stadfield agrees with this sentiment.

"It is always an honor, privilege and treat to work in an NCT production," he said. "It's like you're really letting me be in this awesome play with these awesome people and these fantastic sets?" 

Glen Kane who plays Lt. Walker in his debut with NCT described the cast as, "…extremely professional and dedicated."

One of the first items audiences may notice is the set. Set designer Holly Martin created an elegant Manhattan brown stone with an army of volunteers. 

Jeremy White, the volunteer light board operator said, "One of the biggest challenges in creating the set was to create a gorgeous 1 piece set that could easily be torn down and put back up in one day." 

The play runs for about an hour and a half with an intermission between acts. Snacks and refreshments may be purchased with cash. Tickets are $20 at the door, $17 for students and seniors or parties of ten or more.

All proceeds are returned directly to the NCT fund. Anyone interested in auditioning for future productions staged by NCT can visit their website at www.needhamtheatre.org or New England Theatre 411. For tickets and more information call 781-444-4740 or visit www.needhamtheatre.org.