By Gretchen R. Crowe
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 9/23/04)

What must the world be like through the eyes of the blind? Through a carefully crafted plot and skilled acting, Frederic Knott’s suspense-thriller "Wait Until Dark" illustrates the answer to that question. The show, produced by David Kahn and Christa McAndrew, and directed by Jerry Bonnes, is a production of the McLean Theatre Alliance, an organization designed to encourage interest in drama through community performances.

The play opens with a sinister con man, Harry Roat Jr. (Regan Wilson), enlisting the help of two greedy, but seemingly good-hearted, ex-cons, Mike Talman (Marshall Henderson) and "Sgt." Carlino (Emmanuel Skordalakis), to locate a mysterious doll filled with several grams of heroin. The men track the doll to a basement apartment in Greenwich Village occupied by Sam Hendrix (Ken Clayton) and his blind wife Susy (Skye Henderson).

While out of the country, Sam had received the doll from a woman who implored him to take it back to New York and deliver it to a sick child at a local hospital.

When the doll goes missing before it reaches its rightful owner, the con men are hired to devise an elaborate scheme for its retrieval. Sam is lured out of the house leaving Susy to use her remaining senses, quick wits and young neighbor as her only defenses. The intriguing storyline keeps the play moving, and the many twists and turns keep the audience guessing.

Eileen Sugameli (Gloria), a 12-year-old parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Arlington, brightens the stage with her youth and energy as she aids Susy in unraveling the con men’s scheme. Sugameli has acted in numerous plays including "Oliver!" and "Oklahoma!" and will soon make her film debut as Young Ariel in "Full Moon Fables."

Sugameli said she enjoyed her role as Gloria and "definitely" plans to keep acting.

"I really like being in front of an audience," she said. "I like being on stage and working with everybody."

The elements of light and dark play significant roles in the play. Because the main character is blind, she is put at an immediate disadvantage — or so the audience would think. But, as Susy demonstrates, the ability to tell good from bad is not dependent on eyesight. Her disability adds suspense to the story and, as her character develops, she becomes empowered because of it.

The effective set, a small apartment living area complete with small kitchen and washing area, was designed by Bea Morse and decorated by her husband Jerry.

Minor drug references and some intense scenes make this play unsuitable for young show-goers. But the creative writing, acting and direction make "Wait Until Dark" an exciting experience for older children and adults.

The show runs at the Alden Theater, McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, through Oct. 2. For information call 703/790-9223.