Waxahachie Journal

Based on the play by Frederick Knott, the acting, music and tension created by the lighting effects provided the audience with many opportunities to sit on the edge of their seats.

A doll is brought across the border and lost.  The crooks want it back, but cannot use force to get it.  As the mastermind behind the scheme to recover the doll, Harry Roat, Jr. weaves a plausible story to convince Suzy Hendrix to voluntarily hand over the doll.  But Roat underestimates the “blind housewife” and finds himself on the wrong end of the knife.  The range of emotions experienced by the audience and the dramatic tension in the last scene is due to the combination of Suzy’s determined cleverness and Roat’s ruthlessness.

Bailie McLendon, as Suzy Hendrix, hit the right note of innocence, grit and determination.  She proves too clever for the three con men, and forces them to interact with her in her world – the dark.  Ms. McLendon’s performance is superb, and is accentuated by an expressive voice, determined demeanor and varied facial expressions.  Although she is no stranger to the stage, Ms. McLendon’s characterization of Suzy displays her wide range of acting skills and talents.  

Olon McClendon, as Harry Roat, Jr., provides the chilling counter-point to Suzy’s innocence.  Mr. McClendon’s skillful portrayal of the demonic Mr. Roat is the crux of the play – the man has a screw loose but is too intelligent for it to be seen, until the tables are turned and he is the one who is hunted.  Mr. McClendon’s voice inflections, facial expressions and strong stage presence create and inflame the visceral dramatic tension on which the play is based.  Evil and greed now have a new face – Olon McClendon as Harry Roat, Jr.

John McNeil, as Mike Talman, exhibits his acting talents to a new degree.  The Mike Talman character has many complex layers, because he no longer wants a life of crime.  Circumstances and bad choices lead him to 27B Grogan Street, but he has no idea that Suzy’s basic human decency will persuade him to do the right thing.  Mr. McNeil’s portrayal of Mike Talman at the end of the play is very moving and sincere, because it provides hope that people can change and make different choices.

Jude Pruitt plays Sergeant Carlino as a guy who just wants to get along and not have any trouble.  He is not above stealing some items to make his life easier, but crossing over the line to murder sends him into orbit.  Sergeant Carlino wants the quick payoff, not any consequences.   The ironic message in the play is that the con man that plays Sergeant Carlino probably would have made an excellent police detective, if only he had made different choices.  Mr. Pruitt is a talented actor whose portrayal of Sergeant Carlino is spot on.
Lauren Eriksen, as Gloria, adds some comedic relief to the serious tone of the play.  Gloria has her own problems and she does not get along well with Suzy.  But when Suzy realizes that she has to fend for herself, she coaxes Gloria to become “her eyes” and the two cohorts work together to save the day.

Don Mahand, as Sam Hendrix, plays the stalwart husband who is determined not to coddle his wife.  Mr. Mahand’s portrayal of Sam is flawless, with just the right note of playfulness and discipline.  He is quite believable as the loving husband who expects his wife to be a winner.

The classic battle between good vs. evil is highlighted by the superb directing skills of Bill Rhoten.  The simple set and lighting effects create an atmosphere of a normal life, but the undercurrents of greed and evil are felt as each new clue is revealed.  

Be sure to make your reservations now to see “Wait Until Dark.”  You won’t find better acting or dramatic tension anywhere in the Metroplex!  Visit www.ennispublictheatre.com for show times or call 972-978-PLAY (7529).

Waxahachie Journal congratulates the cast and crew of “Wait Until Dark” on creating a bone-chilling thriller!