Frederick Knott News

Mystery and murder unravel in the intimate Actor's Cafe as Desert Stages Theatre presents Dial M for Murder. Under the direction of Virginia Olivieri, this suspenseful production takes stage Fri., Jan. 24 - Sun., March 9, 2014.

Two local productions have officially opened another busy year for Philippine Theater: One is that of 4th Wall Theater Company's Cultural Center of the Philippines transfer of its original musical, 'Rivalry'; the other is Rep's staging of the 2003 London revival version of Frederick Knott's 1966 classic thriller, 'Wait Until Dark,' which was originally set in Greenwich Village, New York. The London revival was set in Notting Hill.

Veteran theater actor Jamie Wilson, who was originally assigned the role of antagonist Harry Roat, Jr., was badly injured in last week's rehearsal. Fellow Repertory Philippines' (Rep) actor Arnel Carrion, who was rehearsing for the role of Sam Henderson, the husband of the lead protagonist, Susy, has just been announced as the replacement for the injured actor, who is unlikely to return to the show.

Classic thriller 'Wait Until Dark,' which premiered on Broadway in 1966, will open Repertory Philippines' (Rep) 2014 theater season starting Friday, January 17 at Onstage Theatre, Greenbelt 1 in Makati City. 'Wait Until Dark' is one of the few plays penned by English playwright-screenwriter Frederick Knott, best known for his 1952 television play, 'Dial M for Murder.'

Getting into the spirit of Halloween, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre opened its 2013-2014 season with Frederick Knott's tale of intrigue Dial M for Murder. Unlike the classic whodunit mystery, however, the play revolves not on solving the crime but on watching the main character squirm as he tries to get away with murder.

Artistic Director Roque Berlanga gives Allenberry audiences a well-paced version of the classic thriller

Frederick Knott's psychological thriller Wait Until Dark first premiered on Broadway in 1966 with Lee Remick in the title role and was later turned into a film with Audrey Hepburn. The latest adaptation of the play at the Geffen is by Jeffrey Hatcher, who has moved the action from the 60s to the 40s. The concept has piqued a lot of interest, but upon seeing the finished product, the whole business seems curious.

Is there such thing as the perfect murder? That's certainly the question at the heart of Dial "M" for Murder, the 1952 drama about a husband's plot to murder his adulterous wife. Frederick Knott's play, now playing at University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance, is not as well-known as the Alfred Hitchcock directed film version, and while the production succeeds wonderfully in some areas, it struggles in others.

Boise's Stage Coach Theatre has announced its upcoming plays for August, September and October 2013. Details below!

Wait Until Dark, a suspense mystery by Frederick Knott, directed by Jeff Thomson. Courtesy of Dramatists Play Service, runs Aug. 30, 31, Sept. 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, and 14 at Stage Coach Theatre.

Boise's Stage Coach Theatre has announced its upcoming plays for August, September and October 2013. Details below!

The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance announces the 2013-2014 Season! The ambitious five-performance Subscription Series brings to the stage a joy-filled Tony Award-winning musical, dramatic storytelling by a leading, contemporary playwright, a popular crime story, a fascinating reflection on history and the power of theatre, and enthralling dance by nationally renowned choreographers.

Single tickets to the 2013-2014 Texas Performing Arts season go on sale Friday, June 14th. In celebration, tickets to all season performances will be discounted for one day only. From midnight - 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 14th, single tickets to all 2013-2014 season performances will be priced at 15% off face value. Tickets will be available at all authorized ticket outlets, which include the Bass Concert Hall Box Office, most H-E-B stores and all Texas Box Office outlets, online at www.texasperformingarts.org, or by calling (512) 477-6060 or (800) 982-BEVO.

The Geffen Playhouse announces the remaining production in its 2013/2014 season will feature acclaimed actress Annette Bening performing a selection of monologues created and first performed by Ruth Draper. A pioneer in 20th century drama, Ruth Draper was described as, "the greatest individual performer that America has ever given."

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Summer Theatre announces individual tickets are now on sale for its 40th anniversary season. This year, the troupe is bringing an incredible lineup of quality shows at prices the entire family can enjoy. Tickets are available for $18 and $22, with tickets for children under the age of 14 available for $10 and just $7 for the children's show. In addition, parking is free for all shows.

The Geffen Playhouse announces nine plays for the 2013/2014 season: three world premieres/adaptations, three West Coast premieres and two productions of familiar works from Pulitzer or Nobel Prize winning playwrights. The remaining title will be announced shortly. Furthering its mission to introduce audiences to new plays, re-imagined classics and emerging voices, the Geffen's schedule - encouraged by continued growth in ticket sales - is the largest in the 19 year history of the organization.

Although the first act feels just a bit slow in its development, and one or two of the cast take a few moments to warm into their roles as one watches, it is certainly not unsatisfactory. But it is the second act of WAIT UNTIL DARK that is what the audience is there for, especially for the ending. And the second act does not disappoint.

One thing is for sure; you'll never be disappointed when you see a show at Northport's stunning John W. Engeman Theatre. Located on Long Island, their current Alan Souza directed production, Frederick Knott's suspense-filled Wait Until Dark, will have you at the edge of your seat in anticipation and apprehension for the entire show.

In the tense thriller Wait Until Dark, a cool-as-ice con man smooth talks his way into the home of an unsuspecting blind woman. She soon discovers she's harboring a dangerous prize and that he'll try anything to get it. The production is currently in previews at the John W. Engeman Theater, with the official opening set for Saturday, January 26 at 8:00 p.m. The show runs through March 10, 2013. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

AnnMarie Snyder, Marketing Communications Manager of the John W. Engeman Theater, had a chance to sit down with Alan Souza to discuss his latest show, WAIT UNTIL DARK, running January 24 - March 10, 2013.