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<DIV class=ecxdescription align=center><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt" color=#ff0000 size=5><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt" size=4><STRONG>ROYLATON PLAYERS PERFORMANCE WAIT UNTIL DARK HAS BEEN HELD OVER FOR ANOTHER WEEKEND!</STRONG></FONT> </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV class=ecxdescription align=center><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 20pt" color=#ff0000 size=5>IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS SHOW YET THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE NOVEMBER 20 AND 21ST!</FONT><BR><BR></DIV>
<DIV class=ecxdescription align=center><BR>The play is directed by <FONT color=#205867><STRONG><FONT color=#002060>Chuck Polifiaco</FONT> </STRONG></FONT>and assistant director <FONT color=#002060><STRONG>Nancy Marusek</STRONG></FONT>, our production features <FONT color=#002060><STRONG>Mary Manos-Mitchem </STRONG></FONT>as Susy Hendrix. <FONT color=#002060><STRONG>Jake Schafer </STRONG></FONT>portrays Roat, joined by <STRONG><FONT color=#002060>Ben Gibson </FONT></STRONG>as Mike Talmann, <FONT color=#002060><STRONG>Mike Sonby </STRONG></FONT>as Carlino and <STRONG><FONT color=#002060>Elizabeth Hoffman</FONT></STRONG> as Gloria. The cast is rounded out with <FONT color=#002060><STRONG>Katie Sonby, Joe McIntyre and Garion Bender</STRONG></FONT>.<BR>An undisputed Broadway hit (and later a successful movie), Wait Until Dark was described by the New York Post as “a first-rate shocker…the suspense drama we’ve long awaited.”<BR>Wait Until Dark, starring <FONT color=#002060>Mary Manos-Mitchem and Jake Schafer</FONT>, has been held over the remaining dates are November 20 & 21 at 8 PM.<BR><BR><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt" color=#ff0000 size=4><STRONG>For reservations call 1-216-556-0415.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
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<H1 class=ecxdescription align=center>'Dark' cast shines bright in Royalton Players' tight production in North Royalton</H1>
<H4 class=ecxdescription align=center>By <A href="http://connect.cleveland.com/user/tedlarsen/index.html">Ted Larsen</A> </H4>
<H5 class=ecxdescription align=center>November 14, 2009, 2:47PM</H5>
<P class=ecxdescription align=left><SPAN style="DISPLAY: inline" class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-photo"><SPAN class="photo-breakout photo-left small"></SPAN></SPAN>On most people’s list of fears, going blind is one of the most deeply dreaded. If that’s not scary enough, imagine being blind and being stalked by three very bad men. Playwright Frederick Knott plumbs this frightening scenario in his taut thriller “Wait Until Dark,” currently playing at Royalton Players. </P>
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<P class=ecxdescription align=left>Susy Hendrix, a blind housewife, inadvertently comes into possession of a doll filled with high grade heroin. A trio of criminals, led by the snake-like Harry Roat Jr., try to con her out of it. When she refuses to hand it over, they try to strong-arm her. Susy’s staunch courage as she attempts to protect herself becomes the core of this tightly wrapped production. </P>
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<P class=ecxdescription align=left>Director <FONT color=#ff0000>Chuck Poliafico </FONT>has taken on a difficult show. The pacing, vital for a thriller, is excellent. The action scenes sizzle with activity, while the exposition simmers with anticipation. <FONT color=#ff0000>Jim Carrick’s </FONT>nicely detailed set works meets the technical demands of this show well. </P>
<P class=ecxdescription align=left>Several performances merit mention. <FONT color=#ff0000>Jacob Schafer </FONT>as the sleazy Harry Roat Jr., does a nice job, exhibiting a dangerously calm exterior while volcanic menace lurks just beneath the surface. As Susy Hendrix, <FONT color=#ff0000>Mary Manos-Mitchem</FONT> sparks with energy, and her consistency with her blindness plays well. She takes care with little things that breathe life into the character, such as a moment in the second act when, just before plunging into action, she pauses to breathe and gather her courage and focus. </P>
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<P class=ecxdescription align=left><FONT color=#ff0000>Ben Gibson</FONT> as one of the criminals, has strong stage presence. He brings sympathy to a layered role, and it is a nice performance. </P>
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<P class=ecxdescription align=left>Of special note is the fine performance by <FONT color=#ff0000>Elizabeth Hoffman </FONT>as Susy’s young friend Gloria. Her performance is mature and well-wrought. She is sweet, confused, angry, scared, and exhilarated by adventure — in short, the very essence of adolescence. The scenes between Gloria and Susy, as they form a grudging respect and friendship, are the nicest moments in the play. </P>
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<P class=ecxdescription align=left>Like most stage thrillers, this show is better seen than described. The central conceit of the show is an intriguing one, although upon later examination, a broad suspension of disbelief is required. When in the moment, though, watching Susy find a way to level the playing field, goosebumps are guaranteed. </P>
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<P class=ecxdescription align=left><EM>“Wait Until Dark” continues through Nov. 21 at Edwin S. Griffiths Masonic Lodge, 6320 Royalton Road, N. Royalton. For tickets or information, call (216) 556-0415.</EM><BR></P><BR><BR> <br /><hr />Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft's powerful SPAM protection. <a href='http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141664/direct/01/
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