Mystery thriller opens Saturday in Elgin

The Elgin Theater Company’s next performance promises to be full of thrills and spine-tingling chills — even if it’s a little early for Halloween.

“The Woman in Black,” the company’s latest production, is a mystery thriller set in the 1800s. The story follows a man who attends a funeral and then keeps catching glimpses of a mysterious woman in black. First performed in London for more than two decades, “The Woman in Black” is now coming to an Elgin audience.

“(‘The Woman in Black’ is) very exciting. It’s not a murder a mystery. It’s what I’d call a thriller,” producer Richard Grieger of Elgin said.

“It will have you on the edge of your chair for a good portion of the performance.”

“The Woman in Black” will be performed at the Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy, 350 Park St. in Elgin, between Dundee Avenue and Academy Place. Performances will be Friday through Sunday, May 6-8 and 13-15. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Grieger first became involved in the production after play director Tony Aiello showed him the script last year.

“(My reaction after reading the script) was an immediate one of excitement,” Grieger said. “It’s not a show where you can come and expect to fall asleep for a while. It will hold an audience’s attention.”

Aiello had wanted to put on “The Woman in Black” ever since he first read the story, Grieger said.

The cast is relatively small, with only three members. In addition to directing, Aiello will also step in and play the character known only to audience members as “The Actor.”

“The Woman in Black” cast will be available to meet with audience members after shows Saturdays and Sundays, May 7, 8, 14 and 15 at Elgin’s Villa Verone restaurant, 13 Douglas Ave., immediately following the performances. Free refreshments will be served.

Even without the post-performance receptions, Grieger feels “The Woman in Black” offers audience members a more personal theater experience because of the smaller cast.

“(The production is) a much more intimate type setting for Tony to direct and ... (the show) can move quicker than sometimes if you have a cast of 25 to 35 because you’re concentrating on just two or three characters,” Grieger said.

Since the play takes place in the 1800s, the characters will be clad in period costumes. Mood lighting and special sound effects will enhance the set.

“I think a lot of people like (the mystery genre). It has an appeal, and once they hear about it I think they’ll want to come out,” Grieger said.

Cast members include Jesse Greco and Sutton Skowan of Elgin, and Andrew Ross of Carpentersville.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Visit elgin-theatre.org for details.