What is the secret of Eel Marsh House? A simple tale between 2 men. A spine-tingling story. Highly acclaimed, this play combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It gives audiences an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world.
Come with a friend. You won’t want to drive home alone.
Directed by Max G. Merchen
WHEN:
October 31 – November 2, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
November 3, 2013, 2:00 p.m.
This play is part of our SUBSCRIPTION SERIES.
Tickets may also be purchased individually.
Tickets on sale now. Call 605.642.7973 or stop in the Art Gallery M-SAT 10a-5p.
ADULTS: $15
YOUTH (up to 18 years old): $5
BHSU STUDENTS (need current ID): $5
FEATURE STORY
by Sierra Jenkins
Halloween is quickly approaching. There’s no better way to embrace the ghoulish holiday than a ghost story. But not just any ghost story, a live theater performance of the famously renowned play, “The Woman in Black.”
The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center will present the community theatre production of Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of this spine-tingling thriller, based on the book “The Woman in Black,” written in 1983 by Susan Hill. This suspenseful story of things that go bump in the night will premiere October 31 through November 2 at 7:30 p.m. There will be one matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on November 3. It’s a play within a play and all characters are portrayed by two actors, Actor/Young Kipps, played by Jacob J. Roman, and Arthur Kipps/Actor, played by Dwight Myers. This production of the play is directed by Max G. Merchen.
“The Woman in Black” is a drama between two men. Kipps, an older gentleman, persuades a young actor to help him perform a reenactment of an event in Kipp’s life in an attempt to exorcise his ghosts and to move past the events that haunt him. But, perhaps not all ghosts can be laid to rest. The actor takes the part of young Arthur Kipps in the reenactment while Kipps takes on the roles of the other people he met.
“The Woman in Black” is London’s second longest-running play in the history of the West End, after “The Mousetrap”. It has become a classic of the theater. In 2012, it was made popular again in the film of the same title starring Daniel Radcliffe and directed by James Watkins.
Highly acclaimed, this play combines the power and intensity of live theatre with a cinematic quality inspired by the world of film noir. It gives audiences an evening of unremitting drama as they are transported into a terrifying and ghostly world.
NOTE: This play is NOT recommended for children 12 years and under. DUE to the suspense factor of this production, absolutely NO LATE SEATING. Come in late…you will be seated at intermission.
The Matthews’ Executive Director, Sian Young says, “Our Victorian era theatre is the perfect setting for this play – an intimate story told in an intimate theatre. This chilling tale is reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe. It makes your heart race, but you are enjoying every minute of the suspense. The first time I saw this play, I slept with a night light on!”
This play will spook and chill you to the bone with a surprising turn of events. “The Woman in Black” is a spellbinding story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, or possible hiding under it. According to Director Max G. Merchen, “In 1926, The Cornish and West Country Litany included this prayer: ‘From ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!’” After working on this production, I would amend it to read: “…and things that make things go bump-bump, bump-bump in the night.”
Expect the unexpected in this unique theater production. Susan Hill, author of the book “The Woman in Black” says “It’s the little things that get you, less is always more.” Some describe this play as “the most terrifying theater experience in the world.” “The Woman in Black” will make you scream and chase you the whole way home.
This event is part of The Matthews’ Subscription Series. General admission tickets may also be purchased. They are currently on sale for $15 adults, and $5 youth and BHSU students and may be purchased at the Matthews art gallery or by phone Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., 605-642-7973. The play is written by Stephen Mallatratt based on the book by Susan Hill. It is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.