Inside the Show: Wait Until Dark

I was only a kid when I saw the movie Wait Until Dark. It starred Audrey Hepburn as Susy Hendrix, and I was already a huge fan of hers. I had seen many of her films with my mother and sisters, so I was no stranger to Ms. Hepburn’s more light-hearted roles. So when Wait Until Dark began to play on cable television that fateful afternoon, I excitedly plopped down and began watching.  I was completely blown away. The story, the acting, the thrills, each and every moment of the film had me glued to the screen. I vowed then and there that if I ever got the chance, I wanted to play the part of Susy Hendrix. This film, the story of Susy Hendrix, has haunted me the way only the best stories can, ever since. Now, more than 20 years later, I am ecstatic to say I am able to cross this goal off of my bucket list.

I am so honored to be a part of this play, but it is because of so much more than being cast in my dream role. Our director, Danielle Berry-Massey, has created such a vivid and complex world in which this story unfolds. With the help of some very hard working volunteers, she has brought one of the most ambitious set builds I have ever been a part of to completion. I am in awe of the detail and craftsmanship that has gone into the design and construction of this set. Furthermore, the leadership, creative direction, and endless patience Danielle has exhibited throughout this process has made this play one of my favorite experiences at the playhouse so far. It is no easy task to take a rag tag team of actors, with varying degrees of experience and professionalism, and guide them to a successful production.  

The cast and crew of this production have been such a joy to work with.  Each and every member of this team has shown such dedication and hard work. I have had the pleasure of working with some of my fellow actors before, but some I have only now had the privilege of getting to know, and I could not be happier. Between Adam’s awesome puns and Lauren’s memes on the group chat, the playfulness of our little family has been made this experience so much fun. I’m always a little sad at the end of the night that playtime is over and everyone has to go home.

I am so thankful for the wonderful family I have found here at the playhouse. As opening night draws closer and closer, I know that I am going to miss working with these artists, yet in spite of this, I am so eager to share this play with our audiences. We have all worked so hard to make this production the best it can be, and I am beside myself with excitement to finally see it grace our stage. After all, what is a story if it isn’t shared?  At the end of the day, that is why we do what we do. We are storytellers. I hope this story moves our audiences as much as it moved me all those years ago.