Utah Shakespeare Fest Presents THE WOMAN IN BLACK, Runs Through 10/17

Theatergoers should prepare to enter a world of haunted houses, supernatural happenings, and terrifying secrets this fall at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Stephen Mallatratt's chilling Victorian ghost story, "The Woman in Black," will invite audience members to unravel the mystery and perhaps hold their date's hand a little tighter.

"Directing ‘The Woman in Black' has been an experience of examining fear, and why we crave experiences that make us squirm in our seats and make our hearts beat faster," said Director Carole Healey. "It seems to connect us with our most primal selves, when all of our senses are heightened, when we feel most alive."

Based on the novel by Susan Hill, "The Woman in Black" tells the story of a young attorney, Arthur Kipps, who finds himself sent on an assignment to attend the funeral and sort through affairs of the late Mrs. Drablow of Eel Marsh House. The longer he spends in the secluded, fog-bound house, the more secrets unravel and the more disturbing visions appear. Who is the mysterious woman in black and what does she want? He's about to find out, with terrifying results.

"I made the mistake of going to see ‘The Woman in Black' alone," said Festival Founder Fred C. Adams. "The chilling results of this theatrical thriller left me unwilling to even go outside the theatre after the performance. Do not see this alone."

"The Woman in Black" is one of the longest running plays currently showing in London's West End, and the production continues to play to sold-out houses. A trailer for the London production can be found at http://www.thewomaninblack.com/trailer.

Returning actor Dan Kremer plays Kipps ("King Lear" and "The Matchmaker" 2007, and "Antony and Cleopatra" 2006) and Festival newcomer James Stellos plays the Actor. With these excellent cast members, "The Woman in Black" promises to be a shadowy, suspenseful, and intriguing experience for Festival patrons.

"There are thrills and some special effects, but like the best theatre, the play mostly relies on our imagination, where we always conjure the most intense psychological thrills," said Healey.

Tickets for "The Woman in Black" are on sale now at 1-800-PLAYTIX and www.bard.org. Also presented this fall is the poignant comedy "Tuesdays with Morrie" and the hilarious farce "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)."

Photos by Karl Hugh

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