Review by Jeanne Hartman

There are only a few plays that can stand the test of time.  With changes in technology and terminology it is a pleasure to find a theatrical thriller that debuted in 1966, which still scores and Wait Until Dark is such a play, as Playwright, Frederick Knott, fills his play with intrigue and suspense Group Repertory Theatre presents Wait Until Dark at their resident theatre in North Hollywood, California and they have chosen well with the second play of their 37^th annual season. 

The cast and crew at GRT put together a performance that has the potential to be a gem. Liza deWeerd in the lead role as Susy Hendrix deserves a standing ovation for her performance of a young blind woman in jeopardy. She creates a sweet, salty, yet sassy performance that allows the audience to go on the ride of one terrifying night with this woman, who is much more savvy and strong than anyone imagines.  In the role of Gloria, a precocious young neighbor is Kaylena Rose Mann. She brings energy and humor to the story every time that she comes through the door. These two actresses provide stellar performances throughout the evening.

Most of the male actors deliver solid performances, but unfortunately some of them were not yet prepared for opening night. One can hope by the following week they will be up to speed. In their roles on this opening night are Bert Emmett as Sam Hendrix, Chris Winfield as Mike Talman, Leo Weltman as Sgt. Carlino and Robert Gallo as Harry Roat with the policemen played by Matias Ponce and Jeff Warren. 

When Wait Until Dark opened in New York on Broadway in 1966, the lead roles were played by Lee Remick, Robert Duvall, and Mitchell Ryan.  Miss Remick was nominated for a Tony for this role.  Certainly these are big shoes to fill but for the most part, the Group Repertory actors perform admirably. 

The crew and production department have created a set which supports the story and allows the audience to see just enough but not too much and we do not want to reveal too much of the plot.   

Wait Until Dark runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the Group Repertory Theatre through May 8^th.  For tickets and information go to www.thegrouprep.com or call 818-700-4878.  If you enjoy thrillers, be sure to spend a night in the theater at GRT.     

Contributing writer JEANNE HARTMAN, the Actors Detective, coaches  professional actors in Los Angeles and teaches actors, directors and writers  in Hong Kong.  She can be contacted at www.JeanneHartmanActorsDetective.com. 

Her book, The Right Questions for Actors, is written in an inter-active book style that supports actors. Veteran actors call it their “new Bible” when it comes to preparing for auditions.  It is available at her website and on Amazon.

Her studies at the Juilliard School, and with Lawrence Parke, Barbara Loden, Mark Travis and training at Centre Lyrique Int’l with Lotfi Mansouri add to Ms. Hartman’s ability to discover which technique is best for each student.  Ms. Hartman’s acting experience on stage across the country, and  in front of the camera, prepared her to become a respected acting coach and teacher in demand by actors, directors, writers, agents, managers and producers.