Wait Until Dark Promo By: Brett Briggeman

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Theatre Department has been hard at work getting things up and running this semester.

This year, they kick off with a bang with their show Wait Until Dark, written by Frederick Knott. This production will be performed from Sept. 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Down Central Stage Laboratory (DCS), which is their downstairs studio. The DCS requires stair access and there is limited seating for the show, so buying tickets ahead of time is crucial for those who want to go and see this production.

Samantha Strawn, a senior musical theatre major from San Antonio, is playing the lead role of Susan Hendrix, a recently blind 1940s housewife, and she is also serving as the student technical director for the show. 

“This is a show where you should definitely expect thrills, suspense and to stay on the edge of your seat,” Strawn said. “The story is a suspense thriller following a blind woman, Susan Hendrix, as criminals who deem her helpless pull a con to outwit her to find a valuable doll. It's tense and engaging as throughout the story Susan shows that she's more clever than the criminals think she is.”

Strawn’s favorite part of the production has been the opportunity to work with a unique crew of some new and old faces.

“A really great part of this production is that we've been getting to work with a lot of people we might not typically work with,” Strawn said. “For example, it ranges from our student director, Mackenzie Marshall (a senior theatre education major from Pilot Point), to some local younger talent.”

“Audiences can expect a suspenseful and intense show with plenty of twists, tension and unexpected moments,” Marshall said. “Wait Until Dark will keep you on the edge of your seat while exploring themes of fear, trust and survival.”

Marshall’s favorite part of the production has been the group involved, as well as putting the show together as a whole. 

“My favorite part has been getting to work with such a talented cast and crew and watching this production come together,” Marshall said. “Wait Until Dark has held a special place in my mind for years, so getting the opportunity to direct it and bring my own vision of the show to life has been incredibly meaningful. I’ve also loved discovering new things about the show every day and seeing how it continues to grow and change throughout the rehearsal process.”

Marshall emphasized the effort that they have put into the show and making characters relatable and the production enjoyable as a whole.

“We have worked hard to create a show that keeps the audience engaged and allows them to experience the suspense right alongside the characters,” Marshall said. “We’ve also focused on creating real, substantial characters with their own personal wants, needs and desires, so that the audience can connect with them and understand what drives them throughout the story.”

Wait Until Dark is sure to be a fun and thrilling story that you will not want to miss. Be sure to come out and support our wonderful actors and director. You can purchase your tickets online at https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=20188. Seating is limited, so be sure to get your ticket soon.