Thriller 'Wait Until Dark' to run in special monochrome effects at State Theater in downtown Olympia

The classic thriller "Wait Until Dark" by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, is coming to State Theater in a special monochrome effect to evoke the chiaroscuro vibe of 1940s black and white films. 

The show, directed by Producing Artistic Director Aaron Lamb and presented by Harlequin Productions, will run from Jan. 23 through Feb. 8, at State Theater in downtown Olympia.  

“Stark contrasts of light and shadow heighten the suspense, sharpen the stakes, and pull focus onto the characters’ movements and intentions. The result is a visually arresting experience that mirrors Susan’s heightened perception and transforms the State Theater into a pressure cooker of suspense, danger and cinematic style,” wrote Harlequin Productions in an annoucement about the show.

The thriller follows Susan Hendrix, a newly blind lady, who seems an easy mark for three ruthless criminals who invade a Greenwich Village apartment.  

“When the lights go out, survival comes down to nerve, instinct, and the element of surprise. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion,” the announcement states.

The character’s blindness is central to the story’s tension and power, with the team bringing in Special Consultant Chandra Scheschy, a visually impaired theatre professional, to ensure authenticity and inclusion. 

Susan Hendrix will be played by Helen Harvester. Other cast members are Matt Shimkus, Travis Tingvall, Andy Gordon, Scott C. Brown and Eleanor Rose Kinn. 

Tickets, special runs 

Event tickets can be bought online, by phone at 360-786-0151, or in person from noon to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, at the State Theater Box Office. 

General admission tickets cost $49, senior (60 and older) and military tickets cost $47, and tickets for students and youths under 25 cost $35. Rush tickets are also available around two hours before the start of the performance. 

The show’s opening night is at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, followed by a Community Talkback at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25. 

Closed captioning is available on Sunday, Feb. 1, with a planned audio described show to be announced later. The final show is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8.