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'Wait Until Dark' brings thrills and chills to Elgin

"Wait Until Dark" is a suspense thriller that made its debut on stage and in film nearly 50 years ago.

Elgin Theatre Company's production of "Wait Until Dark" debuts on Friday, Sept. 11, and promises to keep today's audiences on the edge of their seats as well.

Performances are set for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 11-27, at the Kimball Street Theater on the Elgin Academy campus.

The plot is full of tense moments. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. 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 the chilling conclusion.

The cast includes Lori Nancow Rohr of Palatine as Suzy and her daughter Sophie Rohr as Gloria. Other cast members include: Steven Delaney of St. Charles as Mike, Richard Helland of Cary as Carlino, Connor Murphy of Hawthorn Woods as Sam and Jim Turano of River Forest as Roat.

The Daily Herald caught up with director Larry Boller of Elgin to learn more about the show.

Q. Why did ETC choose "Wait Until Dark" for its fall production?

Larry Boller. I imagine they were attracted to the popular appeal of a suspenseful thriller, and this one has a familiar title to those familiar with the classic movie starring Audrey Hepburn.

Q. Was it difficult to cast roles for a show like this, which has a smaller cast?

Boller. Though the initial turnout at auditions was small, we reached out to friends such as David Rodriguez at Vero Voce theater in St. Charles, and these friends called their friends, and so on. The end result was a solid cast, and I have enjoyed working with them.

Q. What was most challenging about putting this production together?

Boller. The script is very detailed, and the requirements are numerous - the set furnishings, the doors and locks, the lights, the windows and shades, and even the weapons must be just so, or the lines and prescribed action make no sense. But the theater company and its board members have done a fine job supporting my efforts and the work of the actors, especially producer Dick Grieger.

Q. How is it different or unique from other dramas?

Boller. This thriller is intense and scary. The fact that the lead character is blind and basically alone to fend off three hard-core criminals makes it unique. David and Goliath, you know?

Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this play? Crime and criminals are a big part of television and movie entertainment, and the suspense makes for an exciting evening. Actress Lori Rohr has worked hard to make the lead character believable and sympathetic.

Q. This is a suspenseful show - for what ages is it appropriate?

Boller. This is not a show for young children, but most middle schoolers and above would probably enjoy it. The truly innocent might be lost concerning the details of the con. A confidence game involves lies, pretenses, and children sometimes take a character's words at face value.

Tickets are $15-$18. Visit www.elgin-theatre.org, call (847) 741-0532 or email tickets@inil.com.

James Turano, left, and Lori Rohr appear in the Elgin Theatre Company production of "Wait Until Dark." The show opens Friday, Sept. 11, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Kimball Street Theater in Elgin. COURTESY OF ELGIN THEATRE COMPANY

If you go

What: Elgin Theatre Company's production of "Wait Until Dark"

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 11-27

Where: Kimball Street Theater in the Rider Center of Elgin Academy, at the corner of Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue in downtown Elgin

Tickets: $18 for adults and $15 for youths and senior citizens. Season tickets for ETC's entire 2015-2016 season are $45 for adults and $40 for seniors and youths.

Details: Visit <a href="http://www.elgin-theatre.org">www.elgin-theatre.org</a>, call (847) 741-0532 or email tickets@inil.com.

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