WAIT UNTIL DARK to Open at Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre will present “Wait Until Dark” by Frederick Knott, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, November 24 through December 13, 2026, in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation brings fresh tension to Frederick Knott's celebrated thriller, which also inspired the film starring Audrey Hepburn.

Set in 1944 Greenwich Village, “Wait Until Dark” follows Susan Hendrix, a blind woman who was recently blinded in an accident as she navigates life in New York City. As she adjusts to her new life, her quiet apartment becomes the target of three criminals searching for a hidden prize. As their elaborate deception unravels, Susan must rely on her instincts and resourcefulness to survive. The suspense builds to a famous, nail-biting confrontation.

The cast features some recent Florida Rep favorites, all of whom are veterans of New York and regional stages. Matt Lytle returns after appearing in last season's “Doubt” and “Queen of Bingo,” William McNulty returns after appearing as Scrooge in last season's “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge,” Christian Pederson returns to the Arcade after appearing in 2024's adaptation of Agatha Christie's “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” and Nicholas Wilder returns after his appearance in last season's “The Play That Goes Wrong.” Making her Florida Rep debut as Susan Hendrix, Tess Frazer comes to Florida Rep after appearances with Manhattan Theatre Club, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Gulfshore Playhouse.

The cast also features two young actors from Southwest Florida, Avalyn Calandra and Sarah Salerno, sharing the role of Gloria, a clever upstairs neighbor who helps Susan outsmart the criminals.

The cast features Tess Frazer as Susan, Matt Lytle as Sam, William McNulty as Carlino, Christian Pedersen as Mike, and Nicholas Wilder as Roat. Avalyn Calandra and Sarah Salerno share the role of Gloria.

Florida Repertory Theatre is a self-producing theatre company that crafts one-of-a-kind theatrical productions expertly designed and directed by theatre professionals. Charles Morey directs “Wait Until Dark,” and returns after directing Agatha Christie's “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” in 2024 and “Twelve Angry Men” before that. Morey is a playwright, actor and director, and a veteran of regional and New York Stages who served as Artistic Director for Pioneer Playhouse (Utah) and Peterborough Players (New Hampshire) for many years.

Morey is joined by an expert creative team, including set designer Charlie Morgan (Florida Rep debut), lighting designer Todd O. Wren (“The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge”), Costume Designer Kim Griffin (The Rat Pack Lounge”), wig designer Strands by Sus! (“Little Shop of Horrors”), sound designer Katie Lowe (“Venus in Fur”), stage manager Alicia DiGiorgi (“Always…Patsy Cline”), and assistant stage managers Arthur D'Alessio (“The Play That Goes Wrong”) and Sylvia Preston (Florida Rep debut).