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P ROMOT I ONALVI DE OS
FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE
GREG LONGENHAGEN, Artistic Director • JOHN MARTIN, Executive Director
2021-2022 SEASON HISTORIC ARCADE THEATRE • FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT PRESENTS
adapted by stephen mallatrat based on the novel by susan hill SPONSORED BY NAOMI BLOOM
STARRING
DAVID DARROW* and ensemble member V CRAIG HEIDENREICH* DIRECTED BY STEVE PACEK SCENIC DESIGNER ensemble member JIM HUNTER***
COSTUME DESIGNER JILL PARZYCH
SOUND DESIGNER JOEL ABBOTT
LIGHTING DESIGNER ALYSSANDRA DOCHERTY
STAGE MANAGER ensemble member JANINE WOCHNA*
The Woman in Black is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com. Any taping, filming, recording or broadcast of this play is strictly prohibited.
2021-22 GRAND SEASON SPONSORS
IN THE KNOW. IN THE NOW.
This entire season sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional non-profit LOA/LORT Theatre company on contract with the Actors’ Equity Association that proudly employs members of the national theatrical labor unions. *Member of Actors’ Equity Association. ***Member of United Scenic Artists.
ABOUT THE WRITERS
adapted by stephen mallatrat based on the novel by susan hill
STARRING (in order of appearance)
Arthur Kipps David Darrow*† The Actor V Craig Heidenreich*††
PLACE AND TIME:
A Small Victorian Theatre
THE WOMAN IN BLACK is performed with one 15-minute intermission.
RUN CREW: Asst. Stage Manager: Naomi Bates Stage Operations: Dominic Masotti Wardrobe: Anthony Toney Light & Sound Board Operator: Joel Zishuk Production Assistant: Danica Murray
†Member of Florida Repertory Theatre’s Ensemble of Theatre Artists. See page 25 for the entire ensemble.
* The Actors & Stage Manager employed in this
production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
***
STEPHEN MALLATRATT (Playwright) was born in London, England, and achieved fame by adapting Susan Hill’s novel The Woman in Black, which premiered in Scarborough in 1987. Prior to this success, Mallatratt worked as an actor in Alan Ayckbourn’s company in Scarborough and wrote An Englishman’s Home. Although never a “brand-name” playwright, Mallatratt’s craft and professionalism made him well-known as a core member of the Coronation Street script-writing team from 1985. He also authored two British television series. At the time of his death, in 2004, Mallatratt’s The Woman in Black was one of the longest-running West End plays, second to The Mousetrap. It has been translated into a dozen languages and produced in 40 countries. Mallatratt’s inspiration, Susan Hill’s novel, The Woman in Black, was first pubished in the UK in 1983. SUSAN HILL (Novelist) is a novelist, children’s writer and playwright. Susan (Elizabeth) Hill was born in Scarborough, England in 1942. Her first novel, The Enclosure, was published in 1961 when she was still a student. She won a Somerset Maugham Award for I’m the King of the Castle (1970); the Whitbread Novel Award for The Bird of Night (1972); and the Mail on Sunday/John Llewellyn Rhys Prize for The Albatross (1971), a collection of short stories. Since then she has written many other novels including Strange Meeting (1971), set during the First World War; In the Springtime of the Year (1974); The Woman in Black (1983); Air and Angels (1991); The Mist in the Mirror (1992); The Service of Clouds (1998); and Mrs de Winter (1999), a sequel to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca. The Woman in Black (1983), a Victorian ghost story, was successfully adapted for stage and television and is one of Susan Hill’s most commercial successes. Her recent novels include the series of Simon Serrailler crime novels and various further ghost stories. Her latest collection of short stories is Farthing House: And Other Stories (2006) and her latest novel is Black Sheep (2013). Susan Hill is married to the Shakespeare scholar Professor Stanley Wells.
N
FROM THE DIRECTOR
early twenty months ago, theatres across the world went dark. The places we once went in order to feel more alive became lifeless and vacant. They became ghosts of what they once were. On many stages, a single ghost light burned, where song and dance and stories once lit up the stage. So, how very appropriate to welcome you back to the theatre with a ghost story... Now, I am not one to tell you what to believe. I leave that to the sages... to the experts...to the wise ones. I’m just a story-teller. But here is what I know: Ever since I was a kid, I have run up the stairs after turning off all the lights before bed. I still feel very uncomfortable when I’m in a dark room and there’s a mirror in front of me. And I still get spooked if I pass by a graveyard at night. Do I really THINK a ghost will materialize in my kitchen just because it’s dark? Or that a spirit will start glowing in my bathroom mirror if I don’t turn the lights on? Or that Steve Pacek there are dead people peeking out at me from behind their gravestones? No. But I also can’t say that it’s entirely not possible. Because when left in the dark, the mind can start seeing things...even if they’re not really there. Also, ever since I was a kid, I have had a fear of being chased by someone with a gun. I still get very uncomfortable when I have a difference of opinion. And I still suffer from panic attacks in emergency rooms. Do I really THINK another lunatic will chase me down the street again with a rifle? Or that the entire playground will gang up on me again because I’m different? Or that I’ll be told by another nurse in another hospital that another partner has passed away? No. But I also can’t say that it’s entirely not possible. Because when brought into the light, the mind can’t always stop seeing things...even when they are no longer really happening. I don’t know which is worse: being haunted by the phantoms of what might be; or the shadows of what has been? Or an evil spirit who is just out to get you... They might be real too. I can’t say for certain. I’m just a story-teller. ...that’s up to you to decide. Steve Pacek, Director
WHO’S WHO DAVID DARROW* (Arthur
Kipps) is a Brooklynbased actor, composer, and playwright. He has performed OffBroadway and around the country at American Conservatory Theater, The Guthrie, Baltimore Center Stage, Theatre Latte Da, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Project Y Theater (Innovative Theater Award: Best Featured Actor), and others. He has also written several musicals which have been produced or developed at The NAMT Festival, Village Theater, Greater Boston Stage Company, Trademark Theater, and 7th House Theater. V CRAIG HEIDENREICH*† (The Actor) appeared with Florida Rep as Inspector Goole in An Inspector Calls, Frank Butley in Native Gardens, Adolph Freitag in The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Juror Eight in Twelve Angry Men, Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, and recently directed Damascus, Disgraced, Best of Enemies, and, for the PlayLab Festival, Echo Location. He also appeared in The Pitmen Painters for American Stage in St. Petersburg and directed Freak for the Urbanite in Sarasota. He has produced, directed, and/or performed in more than 250 professional productions throughout the country including: 15 seasons and more than 80 productions with Actors Theatre of Louisville, three seasons with the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, two seasons with the Asolo in Florida, five with Shakespeare Santa Cruz in California, and three years as artistic director of the Complete Theatre Alliance and Infinite Space, as well as the first three seasons of the Banyan Theater in Sarasota— of which he is a founder. He currently splits his time between theatre work and coaching for Banyan Voice and Speech in which he and his wife, Tess Hogan, are partners. STEVE PACEK (Director) is an interdisciplinary theatre-maker from Philadelphia, PA, though his work has been seen on many stages beyond the City of Brotherly Love. Recent directing work includes The Comedy of Errors – Virginia Stage Company; [Untitled Project] #213 – Edinburgh Fringe Festival; The
Light Princess – Arden Theatre Company; Once (movement director) – Arden & TheatreSquared; God of Carnage – Hangar Theatre; The Syringa Tree – Theatre Horizon; Grey Gardens, Hair, Into the Woods and The World Goes ‘Round – 11th Hour Theatre Company. Steve is also a co-founder and the newly-appointed Transitional Artistic Director of 11th Hour Theatre Company and developed the Emergency Relief program as ViceChair of the Board for Theatre Philadelphia, providing assistance to theatre workers affected by industry closures during the pandemic. Other work includes performing (Alley, Walnut Street, DTC, Arden, Virginia Stage, Arkansas Rep, Milwaukee Rep, et al), teaching (Jen Waldman Studio, University of the Arts, Evolve Studio), and event producing (Barrymore Awards). Many thanks to the team at Florida Rep for having me! Now, let’s see what these “ghost lights” in the theatre are really about… JOEL ABBOTT (Sound Designer) has designed sound and assisted on Broadway: All My Sons, Present Laughter, Birthday Candles (April, 2022), Roundabout, Manhattan Theatre Club, Shakespeare Theatre Company DC, Gulfshore Playhouse, Barrington Stage, Long Wharf, Bay Street, Yale Rep, Theaterworks, and Vermont Stage. His television music has been heard on The Vampire Diaries, Riverdale, Southern Charm, Black Ink Crew, Love and Hip Hop, Bar Rescue, and many other sordid reality shows. He is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and he received his MFA from the Yale School of Drama. He has a cheerful wife and three fluffy dogs. ALYSSANDRA DOCHERTY (Lighting Designer) is a Philadelphia-based lighting designer originally from Vernon, NJ. After graduating with honors and a BA in Theatre from DeSales University, she continued her training as an apprentice at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut. She spent five seasons as the Lighting Supervisor at Philadelphia Theatre Company, and has been touring internationally as the Associate Lighting Designer with Koresh Dance Company since 2013 and with BalletX as their Lighting Director since 2017. Recently, Aly’s designs have been seen in Theatre Horizon’s The Color Purple, Philadelphia Theatre Company’s Sweat, Walnut Street Theatre’s In Between, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare
WHO’S WHO Festival’s An Iliad. She has also designed for the Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival, DeSales University, Drexel University, and Wolf Trap Opera, among others. Her work has been recognized with Barrymore and Ostrander Award nominations. www.alyssandradocherty.com JIM HUNTER***† (Scenic Designer) is a longtime Florida Rep Ensemble Member, and The Woman in Black is his 25th design for the company since 2000. His scene and/or lighting designs have been seen at the Folger Shakespeare DC, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Florida Stage, Phoenix Theatre, Arkansas Rep, Charlotte Rep, Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Florida Studio Theatre, The Lost Colony in NC, LaMaMa NYC, Drury Lane Chicago, Theatre Virginia, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Veggie Tales Live National Tour, and with the modern dance company Wall Street Danceworks. Jim is a member of the national designer’s union, United Scenic Artists, Local 829, in scene and lighting design. He serves as Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of South Carolina. Jim is currently the President of the National Association of Schools of Theatre. www.jimhunterdesigns.com.
JILL PARZYCH (Costume Designer) is excited to spend her first season at Florida Repertory Theatre as the Costume Shop Manager. Before joining Florida Rep, Jill graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s degree in Costume Production. Some of her favorite design credits include The Christians and A Year with Frog and Toad at The Hippodrome State Theatre, and Mamma Mia! at the Lake Dillon Theatre Company. Jill is a licensed cosmetologist and has worked on hair and makeup as a local for Broadway tours such as The Lion King, Motown the Musical, and Ragtime. Jill would like to thank her friends, family, and her mentors – and looks forward to bringing magic to the stage at Florida Rep with her new theatre family. JANINE WOCHNA*† (Stage Manager) is an ensemble member having most previously stage-managed A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, A Fox on the Fairway, Hay Fever, A Christmas Carol: The Tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, Cabaret, and many others since 2005. Regional theatre credits include The Man of La Mancha and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf at Triad Stage, four seasons as Resident Stage Manager at the Geva Theatre, and 14 seasons at the Cleveland Play House. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
SPECIAL THANKS Ron Wesorick
ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION (AEA) was FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL founded in 1913 as the first of the American THEATRES ASSOCIATION (FPTA) Actor unions. Equity’s mission is to advance, is a statewide organization of promote and foster the art of theatre as an professional theatre companies essential component of our society. Today, and theatre professionals interested in the Equity represents more than 40,000 actors, development and promotion of professional singers, dancers and stage managers working in theatre throughout Florida. Florida Repertory hundreds of theatres across the United States. Theatre is a proud FPTA member theatre. Equity members are dedicated to working in the theatre as a profession, upholding the highest Florida Repertory Theatre artistic standards. Equity negotiates wages and is a member of THEATRE working conditions and provides a wide range of COMMUNICATIONS GROUP benefits including health and pension plans for (TCG), the national organization its members. Through its agreement with Equity, for the American Theatre. this theatre has committed to the fairPreviews treatment $20 of the actors and stage managers employed in this production. AEA is a member of the AFLFlorida Repertory Theatre CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international is a proud Associate Member organization of performing arts unions. For more of the NATIONAL NEW PLAY information, visit www.actorsequity.org. NETWORK.
TICKETS $45 •
N RU NDED!
EXTE
PLAYING THRU NOV 21 ARTSTAGE STUDIO THEATRE
PLAYING THRU NOV 21
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & FLORIDA REP STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Janice Danzig, Chair Naomi Bloom, Vice Chair Dinah Bloomhall Alexandra Bremner Rachel Burttram Powers Shavon Chester Marc Collins
Doris Colgate, Secretary Arthur Zupko, Treasurer
David M. Fritz Fay C. Gronski David Carleton Hall R. Marc Laviolette
Greg Longenhagen Sunny Lubner John Martin Martin McLaughlin Marlene Moulton
ADVISORY BOARD Don Abbott • Liz Abbott • Don Gurule • Melinda Isley • Jane Lane • R. Marc Laviolette Darrel Lieze-Adams • Greg Longenhagen • Donna Lovejoy • Clive Lubner • John Martin • Jeff McCullers
STAFF ARTISTIC & EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
PRODUCTION
Executive Director............................................John Martin Artistic Director.................................Greg Longenhagen Associate Artistic Director.......................Jason Parrish
Production Manager.......................................Tim Billman Technical Director.......................................Drew Johnson Resident Director...........................................Chris Clavelli Asst. Production Manager.........................Giana Carter Asst. Technical Director...........................Josh Schacht Master Electrician..............................................Joel Zishuk Asst. Master Electrician.............Jackson Berkhouse Carpenters..........................................Jackson Berkhouse Shellie Raleigh Costume Shop Manager........................Jillian Parzych Wardrobe Supervisor...........Anthony “Tony” Toney Scenic Charge...............................Julie Beth McCracken Properties Manager...............................Jesseca Terhaar Properties Artist..........................................Miranda White Safety Officer/Stage Manager...Rachel Berkhouse
ADMINISTRATION Company Manager......................................Aaron Martin Asst. Company Manager..........................Max Conoley Finance Director..............................................Kelly Colton Director of Operations.................................Jenny Smith Front of House Manager..............Stephanie Stanley Box Office Manager............................Gerrie Benzing Manager of Sales & Patron Services..Juan Santiago Box Office & FOH Trainer......................Jamie Billman Box Office Associates.....................Christopher Brent Jay Carmona, Elena Murray, Annie Self, Theresa Siller, Donna VanDuiven
2021-2022 INTERN COMPANY DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING Development Director.................................Renee Pesci Development Associate............................Emily Yorgey
MARKETING Marketing Manager............................Deborah Jonsson Digital Media Specialist....................Joe Dafeldecker Social Marketing Specialist...............Stephanie Davis
Acting Company..........Emma Badger, Yul Carrion Joe Collins, Melissa Tucker, Diego Villanueva, Alexis Yard Stage Management.....................................Naomi Bates Company Management.........................Danica Murray FOH/Marketing..................Krissey Michele Browder Education................................Mary Leigh Montgomery General Production...............................Dominic Masotti Paint...................................................................London Dailey Properties.................................................................Lily Munro
EDUCATION Education Director......................................Kody C Jones Asst. Education Director................Christina DeCarlo Education Outreach Manager..........Zeke Bocklage
Contains strong language, adult situations, & brief nudity.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Deborah Jonsson (239) 219-1536 marketing@floridarep.org
NEWS RELEASE
Press Ready Images: https://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/W1xEX-w2M-7Pc
Florida Rep's 2021-2022 Season continues with the chilling ghost story, “The Woman in Black.”
Professional live theatre is back in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Previews begin Oct. 26th. Based on the classic novel by Susan Hill, “The Woman in Black” by Stephen Mallatratt, takes the stage just in time for Halloween in the theatre’s historic venue. FORT MYERS, FL – Florida Repertory Theatre announces its return to the Historic Arcade Theatre with “The Woman in Black,” a spine-tingling ghost story starring David Darrow and ensemble member, V Craig Heidenreich. Previews begin Oct. 26, and the suspenseful thriller runs through Nov. 14. Tickets for “The Woman in Black” are available online at FloridaRep.org and through the box office at (239) 332-4488 for $59 and $55. The show can also be purchased as part of any 2021-2022 Season subscription series, and packages for 6, 7, 8, and 9 shows start as low as $224.
"We are so excited to finally bring this play to life in the Historic Arcade Theatre," said Artistic Director, Greg Longenhagen. "'The Woman in Black' is more than a ghost story, it is a love-letter to theatre and actors, and Mr. Mallatratt's adaptation of the story places the action in an abandoned Victorian Theatre - so the Arcade is the perfect setting. So, not only will you be on the edge of your seat, but you'll be in awe of the theatre magic that we'll employ to tell the story. We're so glad to welcome audiences back to the Arcade for this thrilling play."
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill, “The Woman in Black” follows a lawyer who is obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over his family by the specter of a woman in black. The man engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. “The Guardian” called it “a roller coaster of thrills and chills…a masterpiece.” The production stars ensemble member, V Craig Heidenreich, and guest artist, David Darrow. Heidenreich returns to the Arcade after appearances in in the 2019-2020 season in “Barefoot in the Park” and as the inspector in “An Inspector Calls,” in addition to many other roles. David Darrow returns to Florida Rep after appearing in Florida Rep’s 2020 production of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” just before the pandemic forced the theatre to close its doors, and a virtual performance in "Clue: the Stay at Home Version," which the theatre offered on-demand last fall.
Making his Florida Rep debut, Steve Pacek, directs the production. Based in Philadelphia, Mr. Pacek is an actor and director whose work at other theatres includes Virginia Stage, the Arden Theatre, the Alley Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, and the 11th Hour Theatre, where he currently serves as Transitional Artistic Director.
Mr. Pacek leads an expert creative team, including ensemble set designer Jim Hunter (“The Fox on the Fairway”), costume designer Jillian Parzych (Florida Rep debut), lighting designer Aly Docherty (Florida Rep debut), sound designer Joel Abbott (Florida Rep debut), and ensemble stage manager Janine Wochna (“A Gentleman’s Guide”). “The Woman in Black” is generously sponsored by Naomi Bloom.
“The Woman in Black” plays in the Historic Arcade Theatre Oct. 29 – Nov. 14 with discounted previews Oct. 26 - 28. Tickets are $59/$55 and $39/$35 for previews, and available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at (239) 332-4488. Performances are Tuesday – Saturday at 7 PM, Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 PM, and 8 PM for the opening night gala performance on Friday, Oct. 29. Florida Rep's parking lot opens 2 hours before each performance and offers guests FREE PARKING across the street from the Arcade Theatre.
Florida Repertory Theatre is committed to the safety of its patrons, volunteers, staff, and artists. Until further notice, Florida Rep is operating with enhanced health and safety measures, and current protocols are outlined at the theatre's website by clicking this link: https://www.floridarep.org/buy-tickets/protocols-for-safety/
Subscriptions for the 2021-2022 Season are also on sale now and offer the best seats at the most significant savings. Subscriptions start at $224 for 6 shows, and packages are available for any budget or any schedule. Subscriptions for 6, 7, 8, and 9-shows are available through the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053. Florida Repertory Theatre performs in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson & Hendry with free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org, and by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Old-fashioned ghost tale reopens Florida Rep’s main stage November 10, 2021
Nancy STETSON
nstetson@floridaweekly.com
“The Woman in Black” is playing at Florida Repertory Theatre. JOE DAFELDECKER / FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE
“The Woman in Black” is a roller coaster ride of spookiness. While watching it, I found myself reacting physically: I shrank in my seat, I folded my arms across my chest in a protective gesture. I shivered with a chill that ran up my spine and down my arms. And yes, I even involuntarily responded verbally, much to the amusement of the person sitting next to me. “The Woman in Black,” playing at the Florida Repertory Theatre through Nov. 14, is the theater’s first play in the Arcade Theatre after closing for the pandemic in March 2020. And it’s a fitting show to open with, after such a long time dormant: it’s a play about the power and magic of theater as much as it is a ghost story. Written by Stephen Mallatrat, it’s an adaptation of Susan Hill’s 1983 gothic novel of the same name. We first meet V. Craig Heidenreich and David Darrow in a small Victorian theater, surrounded by boxes and trunks haphazardly strewn about the stage. Some larger pieces of the set — stone arches, a wooden door — are draped in canvas. (Fittingly, scenic designer Jim Hunter has also made sure to include a ghost light in this ghost story set in a theater.)
The action begins slowly, as Arthur Kipp (Mr. Heidenreich) begins and starts his story over and over. He’s telling a tale of what happened to him as a young lawyer sent to look through the papers of a widow who recently died and settle her affairs. But everything is not as it seems. Mr. Darrow’s character, a kind of acting coach, directs and prompts Mr. Kipp, who does not want to be an actor; he simply wants to be able to tell his tale clearly and possibly purge himself of it. The two meet, day after day, with Mr. Kipp threatening at times to leave. But he’s persuaded to stay, and switch places with his coach. Mr. Darrow begins to play Arthur Kipp, the young lawyer, and Mr. Heidenreich plays the various people he interacted with, including a clerk with a pronounced sniff, an innkeeper and a carriage driver. He does this keenly, sometimes just switching hats and accents; his entire persona transforms. Gone is the hesitant, stiff-mannered man we originally met, stumbling his way through his story. Mr. Darrow as Mr. Kipp is young, eager, naïve, feeling himself above all the superstition and ghost-talk he hears. (Keen-eyed theater-goers will remember him as Monty in “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” who kills eight people or so while also wooing two women. It was the last full show Florida Rep staged before having to shut down due to Covid.) But the eeriness of the old stone home and locale gets to him, the unexplained sounds, the townspeople’s unwillingness to engage or talk about past history. The plot moves slowly, very slowly, but it’s like quicksand; before we know it, we’re sucked into the action and find ourselves being pulled in without our volition. Not much more can be said without giving the plot and its surprises away. “The Woman in Black” is not to everyone’s taste; some may find it too slow-moving. It’s also a play within a play. But director Steve Pacek, making his Florida Rep debut here, has the play build suspense as it gains momentum.
COURTESY PHOTO
The special effects are quite nicely done, thanks to lighting designer Alyssandra Docherty and sound designer Joel Abbott. The action’s set in the Victorian era, and Mr. Heidenreich’s initial character marvels at the new invention of sound recordings that create atmosphere with the noise of a busy London street or a horse’s hooves. But poor sound also mars this otherwise exquisite production. Due to inadequate amplification, the actors, at times, were difficult to hear and understand, a complaint various patrons had. In addition to being a ghost story, it is also a story that shows what theater excels in: transforming a space filled with odd pieces of this and that, transporting an audience to a mysterious old house in fogfilled marshes. It gives us an entire company of distinct characters with just two men, a handful of props and slight costume changes… and damn good acting. In tenor, it’s akin to a good radio mystery, as the two also narrate as well as interact with dialogue. It’s amazing how, by just listing items and describing what we’re physically not able to see on the stage, the actors can bring us to a busy London street or a spooky haunted house in the marshes. With “The Woman in Black,” it’s as if Florida Rep is saying: welcome back! Remember the magic spell theater could cast? Here, let us remind you. ¦
BWW Review: THE WOMAN IN BLACK at Florida Repertory Theatre is Superbly Spooky Playing through November 14! by Elizabeth James Nov. 2, 2021
THE WOMAN IN BLACK at Florida Repertory Theatre, directed by Steve Pacek, tells the story of Arthur Kipps, who has been haunted by a dark past and is desperate to rid himself of it by having his story told. He enlists the help of a young actor, who then plays younger Arthur Kipps while the older Arthur Kipps plays the rest of the people he encountered, for the purpose of their reenactment. David Darrow and V Craig Heidenreich star in this production, and they are a fantastic, dynamic duo. Darrow shows such passion and depth in his performance, and he is captivating to watch. He previously starred as Monty in Florida Rep's production of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, which was their last professional production on this stage before the COVID pandemic. It feels very full-circle that he is now starring in their first professional production back on this stage, and he is a wonderful talent to watch. Heidenreich has a huge task in playing so many different roles in the story, and he does so well by wearing different costume pieces and switching up his voice and mannerisms. This is a very story and dialogue-heavy production, but I found that aspect allowed for more imagination. By using creative sounds and lights for this play-within-the-play, the story was brought to life. It is a rather heartbreaking story, but the spooky entertainment brings such a thrill. The perfectly-fitting set was designed by Jim Hunter, with lighting by Alyssandra Docherty, sound by Joel Abbott, and costumes by Jill Parzych. All aspects of the show truly transported you into this world and the story, which I appreciated very much. This production had me on the edge of my seat. Yes, it is a bit scary (though I didn't think it was overly so), but the climactic moment of realization of the story's depth is so intense and well-done. I really enjoyed it, and recommend checking it out while it's running in Florida Rep's Historic Arcade Theatre, through November 14!
2’s Review: “ The Woman in Black” by Dave Elias 12:17 AM EDT, Wed November 03, 2021
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Get ready to jump and shriek inside the Historic Arcade Theatre as the 2021-22 season continues with “The Woman in Black” based on the 1983 novel by Susan Hill novel and then adapted by Stephen Mallatratt as a British play in 1988 and a film in 2012. Although I was not familiar with the show or the book I found it captivating and at times spine tingling but it is much more than just another good old fashioned ghost story.
Set in Britain in the early 1900s, the story takes the audience through strange events surrounding the death of Alice Drablow. The costuming and set do a great job of transporting you to the time period. Arthur Kipps is a retired lawyer who recalls being sent to the woman’s house, on an island with a causeway surrounded in marshes, to help her get her affairs in order.
The strange events that happened to Arthur while he was there affected him so much that he wrote it down in the form of a play. The show is entirely performed by two actors (and a third who has no spoken script except a piercing scream) who take on other characters as they read through the manuscript. David Darrow brilliantly plays the young Arthur Kipps hired to act out the script. V Craig Heidenreich who plays (The Actor) was passionate and convincing as he told his part of the horror story. Both actors do a fantastic job of pulling you into the chilling story recounting the chain of events that Arthur had witnessed.
The production is brilliantly written and also uses a lot of cool sound effects that help you visualize as well as provide a few jump out of your seat moments. The show certainly is not full of horror and for that reason, it’s appropriate for younger audience members 13+ as there are comedic moments mostly in the beginning before the mysterious plot thickens.
I found the show to drag a little in the beginning but if you see it don’t give up and allow yourself to be immersed in it. I found the second act much more mesmerizing which helped keep me on the edge of my seat.
The production is directed by Steve Pacek who leads a creative team including ensemble set designer Jim Hunter and costume designer Joel Abbott and stage manager Janine Wochna. The show runs through November 14th. Tickets are available online at FloridaRep.org or through the box office at 239-332-4488
The Woman in Black BY ELIZABETH ANN FOSTER ON OCTOBER 31, 2021 IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EVENTS, THEATRE
RATING 4.6/5 Opening Night Friday, October 29, 2021. The excitement was palpable. Many theatergoers were catching up with people they had not seen at the theatre for over a year. Patrons were dressed to impress which, added to the festive air. What a perfect evening: from the venue, The Historic Arcade Theatre to the play The Woman in Black, audiences were served up a seasonal treat and a few tricks. If you have never been to the Historic Arcade Theatre, they make it so easy you simply have no excuse not to. Complimentary parking behind the theatre opens two hours before the show. You have ample time to pick up tickets and dine prior to curtain. The theatre is nestled amidst a mix of quaint shops with many offering discounts to ticket holders. Even a complimentary glass of House wine at Twisted Vine with your ticket stub and purchase of an entrée. During intermission, you can preorder drinks and have them waiting with your name on the napkin. Having only a 15-minute intermission I was pleasantly surprised to find ample accessible facilities all on one level. This is not a given. Many historic theaters have stairs and small facilities requiring a mad dash and a certain degree of agility.
Many people are familiar with the movie version of “A Woman in Black,” made popular in part by the actor Danielle Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame. Forget it. The Florida Repertory Theatre uses the adapted version by Stephen Mallatratt, which has been a long-running hit in the West End of London and now with the original West End cast in NYC’s McKittrick hotel venue. What makes the Florida Rep’s version so tantalizing is the venue. Set in the Historic Arcade in an intimate theatre it becomes the victorian theatre needed for the plot. Alyssandra Doghert’s lighting design is “brilliant.” The mood is set from the moment you enter the theater and the play begins. An amazing full moon casting shadows over the gravesite scene is as stirring as the seashells illuminated haphazardly at the edge of the stage flickering throughout the acts. The play in two acts opens with Arthur Kipps (David Darrow) reading aloud from a manuscript of his story. Darrow steals the show immediately. He instructs the Actor played by Ensemble actor V. Craig Heidenreich to “Tell it in a manner remotely palatable” after Heidenreich drolls on reading a script in absolute monotone. Darrow’s effervescence is apparent and in sharp contrast to Heidenreich, and the two play off of each other to create an intimate theater experience only live theater can deliver. After the two agree the Actor will play younger Kipps, Kipps himself plays all the other characters and narrates the play. The plot follows the younger Kipps as he learns of the death of a widow and visits her estate to sort through her papers. They make the journey to the house accessible in low tide and that is when all the fun begins. Noises and hints are revealed as the audience learns what has transpired and in the end, is left to wonder what happens next. Joel Abbott does a
brilliant job as sound designer, flawlessly weaving a myriad of sounds into the production. The only way to interpret and understand the action is to hear many parts, so listen carefully even if you close your eyes. Scenic designer Jim Hunter sets the entire theater in a fog. From the journey to the estate until the last moment the wafting fog brings you directly to the remote village in England. I had to put on my sweater–it was that bone-chilling. We were warned at the beginning of the show the sound of unwrapping candies can travel 5 miles. During the second act there was about a 10-mile unwrapping. In a surreal manner, it added to the atmosphere where usually it would have been a distraction. Best not to make a sound during this performance as the entire production hinges on it and Abbott’s delivering it – not us. “The Woman in Black” is Adapted by Stephen Mallatrat based on the novel by Susan Hill. WITH: David Darrow (Arthur Kipps); V Craig Heidenreich (The Actor). Directed by Steve Pacek, Set Designer Jim Hunter, Costume Designer Jillian Parzych, Lighting Designer Alyssandra Docherty, Sound Designer Joel Abbott, and Ensemble Stage Manager Janine Wochna. Presented at the Historic Arcade Theatre, 2267 First St, Ft. Myers FL. Oct. 29 – Nov. 14 with discounted previews Oct. 26 – 28. Tickets are $59/$55 and $39/$35 for previews. The show can also be purchased as part of any 2021-2022 Season subscription series, and packages for 6, 7, 8, and 9 shows start as low as $224 and are available online at www.FloridaRep.org and through the box office at (239) 332-4488. Performances are Tuesday – Saturday at 7 PM, Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday at 2 PM, and 8 PM for the opening night gala performance on
Friday, Oct. 29. Generously sponsored by Naomi Bloom. Runtime 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission.
Backstage Pass: Big things happening at Florida Repertory Theatre by ABC7 News 3:52 PM EST, Mon November 15, 2021
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The artistic director for the Florida Repertory Theatre joined More in the Morning on Friday to talk about three big things coming to the theater. Greg Longenhagen spoke about their final push for tickets for The Woman in Black, the extension of ‘Let’s Fall in Love,’ and gave a teaser on the upcoming production of West Side Story.