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HCP Presents Night Watch
Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: August - 2022 | Photograph By: Susan Renfro
There’s murder right next door when the Highlands Cashiers Players stage Night Watch at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, August 25 through September 4. For tickets or more information, visit highlandsperformingarts.com/hcp; or call (828) 526-8084.
Despite being shut down for two years due to Covid, theHighlands Cashiers Players were determined to stayvisible, and hungry to create – and sure enough, theyhave survived!Later this month they will launch their latest production,NightWatch, a play by Lucille Fletcher.As play Director Michael Lanzilotta said, “Opening this seasonwith a suspense story will hopefully reinvigorate the commu-nity in supporting community theater. Our all-volunteer teamis dedicated to bringing entertainment to our Plateau.”Fletcher may best be remembered for her play,Sorry, WrongNumber; but Night Watch, once a movie starring ElizabethTaylor, has no less of an illustrious past. First seen on Broadwayin 1972, it was praised as a long-awaited American thriller,comparable to the mysteries of Britain’s Agatha Christie.The play tells the tale of Elaine Wheeler (played by JulieHarris) whom one night during a raging storm tells her hus-band, John (Craig Eister) that from their living room windowshe thinks she has seen a murder being committed in thedeserted house next door.John calls the police, but a search of the old house turns upnothing. Elaine’s terror continues to grow, and shortly thereaf-ter she claims to see another body – this time of a woman.By now skeptical, the police ignore her pleas and her husbandfearing that Elaine is on the brink of a nervous breakdowncalls a psychiatrist, Dr. Tracy Lake (Robin Phillips). The plotmoves quickly from here. Elaine’s old friend Blanche (SusanKent), and the sinister next-door neighbor, Allan (Pastor RandyLucas), and the family maid, Helga (Lydia Hitchcock) allcontribute to the deepening mystery.With twists and turns,Night Watchreveals its truths slowly,culminating in a riveting climax. (Starring in other roles are Lt.Walker played by Michael Vavrek, Patrolman Vanelli played byGardner Davis, and Sam Hoke played by Nick Sharp.)Director Lanzilotta has a longtime affiliation and affection forthe theater – including the Midtown Alliance Theatre and hasdirected previous productions for Highlands Cashiers Players.There will be eight performances of the play from August 25through 28 and September 1 through 4. Refreshments will beavailable during intermission.The Highlands-Cashiers Players are an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that welcomes both inexperienced andpracticed actors all the same.
by Marlene Osteen
photo by Susan Renfro
