Theatre Memphis' WAIT UNTIL DARK to Run 10/16-11/1

Wait Until Dark creeps onto the Lohrey Stage at Theatre Memphis October 16 - November 1, 2015. Unknowingly in possession of illegal drugs, Sam and his blind wife, Susy, are the target of three con men trying to retrieve the contraband. Deception, murder and intimidation lead to Susy using all of her wits and the darkness she is familiar with to her benefit to ultimately survive.

Directing the drama is Tracey Zerwig Ford who is incorporating suspense techniques from Film Noir of the 1940's. "We use lighting and sound and sets in non-conventional ways to heighten the tension of the script and dramatic action," she says.

Andria Wilson leads the cast as the sight-impaired Susy who has the physical challenge of outmaneuvering her aggressors with her heightened senses and survival instinct. Though portraying the character is difficult, Wilson is focused on what is real and can bring that to the role having been declared legally blind at the age of 9. "Due to rapid deterioration of my vision via nearsightedness ... I remember that poor vision kept me from experiencing normal childhood activities," Wilson recalls. "I found it as a barrier of connection to my friends." But in her 20's a new surgical procedure helped her reclaim her vision and, "After that day my 'normal' was no longer 'normal' .. I could actually see when I awoke."

When in rehearsal Wilson made a special connection with the role of the blind Susan, not just through her experience, but with the help of a consultant, Stephanie Jones, blind herself, who is a teacher at Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. According to Ford, Jones has been a resource to understanding the blind experience and she beams, "We are incorporating so much of what she shared in the play."

Wilson also has been relying on Jones as a guide and friend to develop the Susy character. Regarding Jones, "Her input from prop usage to character development has been invaluable." Wilson also relates, "It also helped when (Susy) walked through the 'dark world' and realized 'her willingness to own her blindness,use it ... to claim her strength.'"

Theatre Memphis Executive Producer Debbie Litch doesn't bat an eye when she proclaims, "'The entertainment value of a show like this is so great. The suspense and drama all play to the strengths of a perfect show for October ... I look forward to this being a big hit with this cast and Tracey directing. And with the increased awareness of the sight impaired community that has been heightened by this experience, Theatre Memphis will be having a special 'audio description' performance for the sight impaired on Sunday, October 25, 2015."

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