'Wait Until Dark' a fun play to watch

What happens when three hardened criminals terrorize a recently blinded woman while they search for a heroin-filled doll they believe is in her apartment? Find out as the Washington Community Theater performers present "Wait Until Dark" By Frederick Knott beginning this weekend.

The play is scheduled to be shown Oct. 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2:30 p.m. in the Washington Community Theater. 'Wait Until Dark" was first presented by Fred Coe at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City on Feb. 2, 1966. Soon after the play's Broadway premiere, Warner Bros Studios purchased the rights, and a film adaptation premiered in 1967.

The film begins with three con men, Mike Talman, Sgt. Carlino, and Harry Roat Jr., played by Joe Cerwinske, Ben Stanton and Stephen Ivester respectively, plotting to steal a doll loaded with drugs that Sam Hendrix, played by Ian Stakland, had innocently acquired. The three rogues target Hendrix's recently blinded wife Susy Hendrix, portrayed by Regan Loula. Along the way a little girl named Gloria (Bailey Rees) provides assistance to Hendrix as the criminals attempt to obtain the doll. Stanton and Cerwinske do double duty later as a pair of police officers who arrive shortly after the play's climax.

While this is Cerwinske's debut with the Washington Community Theater, he is no stranger to acting, having performed for many years in Pella. His portrayal of smooth-talking con man Talman, who pretends to be Sam Hendrix's friend, is riveting as the audience wonders just how far he will go to get the doll. Stanton provides the perfect blend of comedy and concern with his portrayal of faux-police detective Sgt. Carlino. While Ivester is a newcomer to acting, his portrayal of unhinged killer Roat provides a chilling presence felt throughout the entire performance.

Stakland gives a strong performance as Sam Hendrix, the husband of recently blinded Susy Hendrix, whom he is always pushing to be more independent as she is ready to accept second place. Rees, a sixth-grader at Washington Middle School and a veteran of several plays, provides the needed friendship and companionship as neighbor girl Gloria. Loula, a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York, stole the show, as every move she made was that of someone recently blinded.

The play is a perfect choice as the area heads into the Halloween season. The strong cast and crew, who are perfect choices for their perspective roles, and the top-notch and timeless script make this another must-see by the community theater players.