Photo Flash: Strangers On A Train At Stoneham Theatre

Strangers on a Train, adapted by Craig Warner from the novel by Patricia Highsmith andpopularized by Alfred Hitchock's film, will open at Stoneham Theatre on Thursday, May 7. The psychological thriller begins with an innocent conversation between two strangers and ends in murder and madness.

When Charles Bruno and Guy Haines meet while traveling, Bruno suggests they "swap murders" so that neither will be suspected. Directed by Producing Artistic Director Weylin Symes, Strangers on a Train features Robert Serrell as Charles Bruno and Jonathan Popp as Guy Haines. They are joined by Dee Nelson (last seen at Stoneham Theatre as Flo in Picnic) as Elsie Bruno, Allan Mayo (last seen at Stoneham Theatre in It's A Wonderful Life) as Frank Myers, Brendan McNab as Arthur Gerard and Liz Hayes as Anne Faulkner.

The dark, film noir aesthetic of the production is designed by Gianni Downs (Scenic Design), Frank Meissner (Lighting Design), Gail Buckley (Costume Design), and Nathan Leigh (Sound Design). Highsmith (author of The Talented Mr. Ripley) wrote the novel in 1950 and Alfred Hitchcock popularized the story in his 1951 film.

The film starred Farley Granger as Guy Haines andRoBert Walker as Bruno Anthony (Hitchcock changed the character's name from Charles Anthony Bruno). Hitchcock took other liberties with the plot and its characters. In the novel -and play-Guy Haines is a successful architect and in the film, he's a professional tennis player with his eye on a career in politics. Playwright Craig Warner acquired the stage rights to Strangers on a Train in 1995, and wrote both theatrical and radio adaptations of the story.

The theatrical adaptation has had a number of successful productions worldwide and the radio version was recorded and broadcast by the BBC, and released on CD in May 2004. Strangers on a Train runs Thursday, May 7 through Sunday, May 24.

Tickets are $40, with discounts available for seniors and students. Stoneham Theatre is located at 395 Main Street in Stoneham. For tickets and information, visit or call the Box Office at 781-279-2200, open Tuesday through Saturday 1-6pm, or www.stonehamtheatre.org.

Director Weylin Symes, Robert Serrell and Jonathan Popp

Robert Serrell and Jonathan Popp