Richard Taylor, left, terrorizes Sherry Santana, right, in the CSM Theatre Company production of “Wait Until Dark.” Taylor, of Waldorf, plays Mike, one of three crooks searching for drugs hidden in the apartment of blind housewife Susy Hendrix. Sherry Santana, of Waldorf, plays Susy, who must outwit the three thugs to stay alive. (Submitted photo)
LA PLATA, Md. (March 8, 2009)—When the lights go out, the terror begins as the College of Southern Maryland’s Theatre Company presents its spring production of “Wait Until Dark,” March 13-15 at the La Plata Campus.
Susy Hendrix, a housewife coping with the sudden loss of her vision, is the central character of the play. Susy and her husband Sam are unaware that the doll he bought her is filled with drugs and she must rely on her other senses to stay alive when three crooks attempt to retrieve it.
The movie version of the play is a suspense thriller classic staring Audrey Hepburn as Susy. Hepburn’s portrayal of the helpless, but determined heroine earned her an Academy Award nomination. The movie also starred Alan Arkin as Roat, the sinister leader of the crooks, Efrem Zimbalist Jr. as Sam, and Richard Crenna and Jack Weston as the other two criminals.
Originally written by Frederick Knott, the play opened in 1966 starring Lee Remick in the role of Susy. Remick was nominated for a 1966 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance as the blind heroine. Other original cast members include Academy and Emmy award winner Robert Duvall, and film and television star Mitch Ryan.
CSM’s cast includes Sherry Santana of Waldorf as Susy, Andy Whetzel of Waldorf as Roat the thug leader, and Matt Jameson and Richard Taylor, both of Waldorf, as the other two crooks Carlino and Mike respectively. Other cast members include Dale Sanchez of Indian Head as Sam Hendrix, Susy’s husband, Christina Tersoro of Waldorf as Gloria, Susy’s neighbor, and Patrolmen 1 and 2 played by March Kenny and Diane Payne respectively, also of Waldorf.
Performances are March 13 and 14, at 8 p.m., and March 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. For information or reservations, contact the Box Office at 301-934-7828, 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6199, Ext 7828, bxoffc (at) csmd.edu or www.csmd.edu/finearts/ .
CMS’s Fine Arts Building is accessible to patrons with disabilities. Audio description for the visually impaired and sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired are available with a minimum two week advance notice. If you are interested in these services please contact the Coordinator of ADA at 301-934-7614.