Photo Flash: First Look at Portland Shakespeare Project's THE TURN OF THE SCREW

Just as Halloween creeps into the calendar, Portland Shakespeare Project presents Jeffrey Hatcher's spine tingling adaptation of the Henry James novella THE TURN OF THE SCREW.* From October 1 to October 18, on the Morrison Stage at Artists Repertory Theatre, this tense, supernatural story will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. JoAnn Johnson will direct Chris Harder as The Man and Dana Millican as The Woman as they bring a full cast of characters to life in this haunting two-person play. Scroll down for a first look at them in action!

Part ghost story, part psychological thriller, Henry James' classic tale tells of a young governess and her two orphaned charges in a remote English country estate. Are the eerie apparitions she encounters conjured up from a vivid imagination -- or a chilling reality? Originally published in 1898, THE TURN OF THE SCREW is one of the most famous stories of the horror genre and has inspired adaptations for the stage, opera, and television. The New York Times said of Jeffrey Hatcher's play, "A dazzling act of the imagination. Mr. Hatcher has pushed James' clever turn to its furthest degree."

"Hatcher's done a brilliant job of transforming The Turn of the Screw into a theatrical form." said Director JoAnn Johnson. "It really captures the essence of the novella. Audiences can expect wonderful writing, a very compelling, captivating story of suspense, some surprising humor and brilliant acting from Chris and Dana."

THE TURN OF THE SCREW by Henry James, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by JoAnn Johnson, will play the Artists Repertory Theatre, Morrison Stage, 1515 SW Morrison St, Portland, October 1 - October 18, 2015 | Opening Night is Friday, October 2, running Wednesday - Saturday @ 7:30pm; Sunday @ 2pm. Tickets: $35 Adult; $20 Student at www.portlandshakes.org or 503.241.1278.

Photo Credit: Russell J Young Photography