"Wait Until Dark": A Gripping Performance at Greater Boston Stage Company

I know someone is there.

Greater Boston Stage Company presents “Wait Until Dark,” a play by Fredrick Knott. Susan, a recently blind woman, is being terrorized by criminals who quietly trespass in her apartment in search of a heroin-stuffed doll. With help, Susan defends herself and puts her senses to the ultimate test of life and death.

“Excited” is not a big enough word to describe how I felt about attending “Wait Until Dark” at Greater Boston Stage Company. I am a big fan of the 1967 film with Audrey Hepburn. This story is an integral example of never taking advantage of anyone with a disability. GBSC’s “Wait Until Dark” is a startling, suspenseful, and astonishing presentation.

Jenny S. Lee is remarkable as Susan. Susan is an important figure, especially for the blind community. Susan never lets her disability impede her, using other observances to defend herself. Lee captures the character's courage, shades of vulnerability, and fighting nature.

The role of Susan is shared between Eliza Barmakian and Jenny S. Lee. In contrast to Barmakian, who is visually impaired, Lee said the role was a collaboration throughout rehearsals. Lee said she studied Barmakian’s performance and took advice for a more authentic portrayal.

For the villainous role of Roat, GBSC did the Alan Arkin trick with Paul Melendy. Arkin played the role in the original film, and even now, I still don’t believe it’s the actor. In the two shows I have seen with Melendy, he was good-natured trashmouth in Gloucester Stage Company’s The Garbologists and a hilarious squawking parrot in GBSC’s Featherbaby.

Melendy is menacing, threatening, and terrifying as Roat. Roat commits any inhuman act to torture Susan. Like Susan, Roat is also observant, thinking he can get away with a heinous act. The way Melendy prowls in movements and changes his vocals to sound sinister is a performance that stays with you.

Bill Mootos plays Carlino, Roat’s partner. Carlino also tries to fool Susan during his visits to the apartment.

Susan is not totally alone, reluctantly trusting Gloria (Amalia Tonogbauna), a young girl. Susan and Gloria’s dynamic is central to the story. Though Susan is stubborn about help, she puts faith in Gloria to be her eyes. Tonogbauna’s deliveries were funny, reflecting her character’s childlike innocence.

More supporting roles include Mamadou Toure as Mike, an unexpected visitor, who knows Susan’s husband, Sam (Thain Bertin). Toure has a warm personality and accomplishes remarkable hidden depths as Mike.

The set layout and tech work are extraordinary. Scenic designer Katy Monthei constructed a life-like apartment with Susan’s items and furniture placed in specific areas. Lighting by Jeff Adelberg and sound by Caroline Eng bring audiences into Susan’s dark world.

Every scene is directed with precision by Weylin Symes. Although he had specific intentions for his vision, he went about rehearsals with an open mind. He always listened to his actors' ideas to make the show an experience for everyone.

The climactic scene is the most unforgettable, suspenseful, and jaw-dropping conclusion I have ever seen. The stage is totally dark, with no light, and only character’s silhouette’s visible in a horror-inducing fight that was coordinated diligently by Naomi Kim.

GBSC’s “Wait Until Dark” was a thrilling time with audiences gasping, vocalizing fright, and sitting on the edge of their seats. I will never forget the reaction to a shocking revelation at the end of Act 1.

Take caution, audiences must be prepared for a climactic ending and triggers regarding home invasions. I felt my heart pounding, but I had the best time! You don’t want to miss “Wait Until Dark” playing at Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham, Ma until March 22. You’ll have to see it twice.