Review: Wait Until Dark at Driftwood will keep you on the edge of your seat

Susy being threatened
Photo courtesy Driftwood Players

Wait Until Dark

By Frederick Knott

Directed by Ian Stewart

Edmonds Driftwood Players

September 16 – October 2, 2016

Review by Doug Gochanour

Attention “thrill seekers.” It is time to find your way to the Edmonds Driftwood Players' performance of Wait Until Dark. Suspenseful is the word for this play. Film buffs may recall an Audrey Hepburn movie version of Wait Until Dark.

Perhaps the audience should be issued “night vision goggles,” as some of the time, it is kept in the dark. Most of the gruesome violence is left to the imagination in this opener of the 58th Season.

Do note that strobe lights are used at times, which can be bothersome to those with certain conditions.

Author Frederick Knott, who also wrote Dial M For Murder, wrote this story of a woman under siege by gangsters, who are searching for a drug stuffed doll. 

Susy Hendrix is a New York housewife who has recently become blind, something she later uses to her advantage as she maneuvers to save her own life. 

Though blind, Susan’s other senses are compensating, and she comes to understand her fragile condition and dangerous circumstance. Eventually, Susan finds her inner strength as a resourceful and intuitive woman.

Zoe Papadakis as Gloria
Photo courtesy Driftwood Players

The cast gives an amazing performance throughout this fast paced and intricately challenging script. Caroline Rensel is excellent as Susy, capturing the fear and tenacity of her stressful situation. Zoe Papadakis charms the audience as Gloria, the initially difficult and unreliable neighbor girl, who helps Susy well when it actually counts.

Come to see, or perhaps hear how Susy deals with the ruthless, manipulative murderer, Roat. There is plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Tickets are available online. General Tickets: $25
Senior/Junior/Military Discounted Tickets: $22