Stoneham Theatre PresentsTHE TURN OF THE SCREW, 10/21-11/7

Stoneham Theatre presents The Turn of the Screw.  Directed by Caitlin Lowans, with Ryan Landry and Molly Schreiber.  Performances run from October 21-November 7: Thurs. (7:30 pm), Fri. (8 pm), Sat. (4 pm & 8 pm), Sun. (2 pm).  Tickets: $38-$44 regular admission; senior discounts apply; all student tickets $20.  Student/senior discount matinees available.  [Special pay what you can performance on Thurs., October 21.]  Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main Street, Stoneham.  Wheelchair accessible.  For advance tickets and information, visit or call the Box Office at 781-279-2200 (hours Tues.-Sat., 1-6pm) or log onto www.stonehamtheatre.org

The Turn of the Screw, a ghostly duet written by Jeffrey Hatcher, is based on the novella by Henry James, but strips this scary tale down to its raw elements.  With minimal sets and no props, his distillation offers a fresh perspective on a haunting nineteenth century story and provides a chilling tour de force for two actors, one who plays multiple roles.

The tale is of an eager and fairly neurotic governess, charmed by the handsome man of business who hired her to care for his orphaned niece and nephew.  His only request: "Never trouble me. Never."  As unexpected occurrences turn sinister and ghostly visions intrude, she vows to protect the children at all cost, even as it becomes apparent that she is really the one in need of protection.

Hatcher's adaptation is of masterpiece theater proportions, but without succumbing to any special effects.  He relies on the narrator, the master of the house, to tell the tale - a narrator who is to be trusted, or not.  Language is key to generating the play's heightened atmosphere, posing the ultimate challenge for both actors and their listening audience.  The Turn of the Screw is for true lovers of the theatre, loving it for the basic principles of experiencing in real time a great story portrayed by charismatic performers - and that's it.

Caitlin Lowans, Artistic Associate at Stoneham Theatre, directs this nail-biting 2-person adaptation, which will feature Ryan Landry who portrays the master of the house, as well as many other characters, and Molly Schreiber as the governess of his two orphaned wards.  The artistic team is rounded out by Gianni Downs (Scenic & Lighting Designer) and Rachel Padula-Shufelt (Costume Designer).