“I did not believe in ghosts. Or rather, until this day, I had not done so.”
So says the character, Arthur Kipps, in The Woman in Black, Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s gothic novel of the same name which is Richmond Hill Players’ current production, skillfully directed by Dana Skiles. So, if you’re looking for an eerie experience to kick off the spooky season of Halloween, this show is it.
The script employs the “play within a play” technique and the action takes place in 1905 in an old London theater. Arthur Kipps, a London solicitor, is deeply distressed after being sent to the small, isolated village of Crythin Gifford to wrap up the estate of the recently deceased, recluse and mysterious Mrs. Drablow. To help him process what he experienced he employs a local thespian to act out the manuscript he has written and which he intends to perform for his family and friends. Interestingly, the actor assumes the role of Kipps as they rehearse and Kipps performs all the other characters – except for “The Woman in Black.” As the story unfolds we learn of the tragic circumstances surrounding a young, unwed mother and her son and the aftermath of that tragedy which has fueled Kipps’ torment.
Taking on the role of Kipps is RHP veteran Patrick Kelly. I’ve seen Kelly in several roles over the past few years and he continues to improve with every show he’s in. In this show he shines like a harvest moon on Halloween as he portrays numerous characters relevant to the story and flawlessly masters more than one accent while maintaining both volume and enunciation.
As the nameless actor is the well-known to Quad Cities’ audiences James Driscoll. Driscoll has successfully tackled some iconic roles over the years and he expertly paints a portrait of this character worthy of a grand master. The chemistry between these two men is electric.
Of course there needs to be a “woman in black” and while Tiffany Simosky has the non-speaking role she has a dynamite scene that absolutely explodes into Kipps’ mounting terror.
My research into this play states that it “builds suspense and fear through minimalist design, atmospheric lighting, soundscapes, and old-fashioned theatrical techniques to create a haunting and immersive experience.” Skiles’ staging demonstrates that with voice-overs, and a sparse set consisting of 3 large trunks, several large wooden cubes, and a couple of chairs that are rearranged by the actors as the play progresses. The cubes provide storage of minor costume enhancements and props needed for the men to subtly change characters or to set a scene which makes for lightning pacing.
The performance is so well acted that I failed to notice until the second act that the costuming was not in sync with 1905 and, you know what? It absolutely didn’t matter.
The Woman in Black continues at Richmond Hill Players Barn Theatre in Geneseo, Thursday through Saturday, October 9 through 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 12 at 3:00 p.m. Please note that this show is not recommended for children under the age of 12 and there is use of a water-based fog containing no irritating chemicals.
I’m Chris Hicks…beware…and break a leg.