Our 95th Anniversary season comes to a close with the gripping thriller “Night Watch” directed by Wanda Dittmann. This production is presented with permission by Dramatists Play Service.
Auditions will be held March 14th and 15th from 7-9 pm at the theater (17303 W. Washington Street in Hagerstown). Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and you must be 20 years of age or older to audition for this production. Performance dates for “Night Watch” are May 6-8 and 13-15.
**To audition or be involved with this production you must show proof of vaccination at the time of audition. Masks are also required at all times*
**To audition or be involved with this production you must show proof of vaccination at the time of audition. Masks are also required at all times*
The Plot:
Unable to sleep, Elaine Wheeler paces the living room of her Manhattan townhouse, troubled by unsettling memories and vague fears. Her husband tries to comfort her, but when he steps away for a moment Elaine screams as she sees (or believes she sees) the body of a dead man in the window across the way. The police are called, but find nothing except an empty chair. Elaine’s terror grows as shortly thereafter she sees still another body—this time a woman’s—but by now the police are skeptical and pay no heed to her frantic pleas. Her husband, claiming that Elaine may be on the verge of a breakdown, calls in a lady psychiatrist, who agrees with his suggestion that Elaine should commit herself to a sanitarium for treatment. From this point on, the plot moves quickly and grippingly as those involved—Elaine’s old friend and house guest Blanche; the inquisitive and rather sinister man who lives next door; and the nosy German maid Helga—all contribute to the deepening suspense and mystery of the play as it draws towards its riveting and chilling climax.
Unable to sleep, Elaine Wheeler paces the living room of her Manhattan townhouse, troubled by unsettling memories and vague fears. Her husband tries to comfort her, but when he steps away for a moment Elaine screams as she sees (or believes she sees) the body of a dead man in the window across the way. The police are called, but find nothing except an empty chair. Elaine’s terror grows as shortly thereafter she sees still another body—this time a woman’s—but by now the police are skeptical and pay no heed to her frantic pleas. Her husband, claiming that Elaine may be on the verge of a breakdown, calls in a lady psychiatrist, who agrees with his suggestion that Elaine should commit herself to a sanitarium for treatment. From this point on, the plot moves quickly and grippingly as those involved—Elaine’s old friend and house guest Blanche; the inquisitive and rather sinister man who lives next door; and the nosy German maid Helga—all contribute to the deepening suspense and mystery of the play as it draws towards its riveting and chilling climax.
Character Descriptions:
5 Men and 4 Women
5 Men and 4 Women
Elaine Wheeler – Protagonist, 20-40s, emotionally unstable, feels betrayed
Blanche Cooke – Elaine’s best friend, 20-34s, nurse, efficient, tailored
Helga – Wheeler’s German maid, 30-60s, suspicious
Curtis Appleby – Busybody neighbor, 30’s-60s, amateur sleuth
Dr. Tracey Lake – Noted psychologist, 30’s-50s, professional
John Wheeler – Elaine’s husband, 30-40’s, stocks and bonds broker, all business
Lt. Walker – Homicide detective, 30-50’s, has no time for crazy women
Vanelli – Young 20’s, Italian Brooklyn patrolman, has an eye for art
Sam Hoke – Owner of local deli, 30-60’s working class, murder is hurting his business
Blanche Cooke – Elaine’s best friend, 20-34s, nurse, efficient, tailored
Helga – Wheeler’s German maid, 30-60s, suspicious
Curtis Appleby – Busybody neighbor, 30’s-60s, amateur sleuth
Dr. Tracey Lake – Noted psychologist, 30’s-50s, professional
John Wheeler – Elaine’s husband, 30-40’s, stocks and bonds broker, all business
Lt. Walker – Homicide detective, 30-50’s, has no time for crazy women
Vanelli – Young 20’s, Italian Brooklyn patrolman, has an eye for art
Sam Hoke – Owner of local deli, 30-60’s working class, murder is hurting his business
If you would like to be involved off stage, this production is looking for someone interested in Assistant Directing/Stage Managing as well as someone to do props. If you are interested in either of these positions please e-mail the director Wanda at wandahollyhock@gmail.com.