NC's Hot Summer Nights to Present 'Wait Until Dark'

Director John McIlwee (Blithe Spirit, The Last Night of Ballyhoo) returns to the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy stage to present the theatre company's production of Wait Until Dark, running July 25th through August 5th.

McIllwee says, "Directing for Hot Summer Nights has been an absolute pleasure as the company has the creative foresight to offer me the opportunity to direct a wide variety of genre and work with talented casts and crews in every production.  The atmosphere of theatrical excitement produced by this young company is a delight and I have enjoyed each experience to the fullest!"

"Frederick Knott's Broadway hit, Wait Until Dark is a masterfully constructed thriller that moves from one moment of suspense to another. A sinister con man and two ex-convicts trace the location of a mysterious doll to the Greenwich Village apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Suzy. Sam had apparently been persuaded by a strange woman to transport the doll across the Canadian border, not knowing that sewn inside were several grams of heroin. When the woman is murdered, the situation becomes more urgent. The con men, through a cleverly constructed deception, convince Suzy that the police have implicated Sam in the woman's murder and the doll, which she believes is the key to his innocence, is evidence. She refuses to reveal its location, and with the help of a young neighbor, unveils that she is the victim of a bizarre charade. It is at this point that darkness becomes the key to survival in a chilling climax against all evil," as described in press notes.

Wait Until Dark'scast includes Brian Norris (Roat), who makes his return to the Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy Stage after playing "Jinx" in last year's musical season opener, Forever Plaid.  Also cast are Adam Twiss (Sam Hendrix), Jen Suchanec (Suzy Hendrix), Holden Hansen (Mike), Ryan Lee Nazionale (Carlito) and Anastasia Hollis (Gloria). Additional cast members include Ross Shingledecker, Linh Schladweiler and Scott Heath (Policemen). 

McIlwee, who also heads up North Carolina State University's Theatre Department and has been responsible for the success of the school's annual TheatreFest, leads a production team that includes Mette Schladweiler (Production Stage Manager), Curtis Jones (Technical Director/Set & Lighting Designer), Brian L. Hunt (Sound Designer), Ross Shingledecker (Assistant Stage Manager), Robin Hughes (Props Mistress) and Casey Watkins and Kristin Grieneisen (Costumes).

"Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy is a professional theatre company whose mission is to serve the citizens of Raleigh, Wake County and Eastern Carolina by 'keeping the lights on' and producing professional theatrical performances in the Kennedy Theatre at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts during the summer months. Hot Summer Nights goal is to produce great shows that are varied in type, attitude and scope and employ actor, stage crew and staff of all ages, races and creeds from North Carolina and Broadway. Hot Summer Nights will use our resources to nourish, celebrate and employ many theatrical groups, colleges, charities and citizens and support and assist the City of Raleigh with entertainment needs."

Wait Until Dark runs July 25th-August 5th. Wednesday-Saturday performances are at 8 PM and Sunday performances are at 3 PM. Theatre patrons are invited to enjoy beverages and desserts at intermission as guests of Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy and their generous sponsors.  Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster by calling 919-834-4000 or online at ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts Box Office on Wilmington Street in Raleigh.  Individual tickets are just $27.50. Sunday matinees and senior group rates are $20.  For discount group rates or to schedule a talk back with the cast following a performance, please call 919-828-3726.  For additional information, please visit the Theatre's website: www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org. 

Photos - 1) Adam Twiss (Sam) and Jen Suchanec (Suzy); 2) Jen Suchanec and Brian Norris (Roat)