It’s Going To Be a Thriller

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: September - 2022

Highlands-Cashiers Players is stagingNight WatchatHighlands Performing Arts Center (507 Chestnut Street),October 13-16 and 20-23. Thursday, Friday, and Saturdayshows will be held at 7:30 P.M.; and Sunday shows at 2:30 P.M.Night Watchis the story of a woman, Elaine wheeler, who isplagued by insomnia and one night, while looking out herwindow, thinks she sees a dead body in the building behind hers.Several people, including Elaine’s husband John, best friendBlanche, maid Helga, and neighbor Mr. Appleby try to get tothe bottom of this horrible mystery, but soon everyone begins toquestion Elaine’s sanity.No one is truly who they seem, and theaudience will be guessing throughout the show what is going on.Michael Lanzilotta is directing the show.Julie Harris playsElaine Wheeler, and leads a cast including Craig Eister, LydiaHitchcock, Susan Kent, Randy Lucas, Michael Vavreck,Gardner Davis, and Ron Leslie.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; butNight 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 Julie Harris)whom one night during a raging storm tells her husband, John(Craig Eister) that from their living room window she thinks she hasseen a murder being committed in the deserted house next door.John calls the police, but a search of the old house turns upnothing. Elaine’s terror continues to grow, and shortly thereaftershe 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 (PastorRandy Lucas), and the family maid, Helga (Lydia Hithcock) allcontribute to the deepening mystery.With twists and turns,Night Watchreveals its truths slowly,culminating in a riveting climax.Those attending Opening Night will be treated to a wonderfulreception at the end of the show.For more details, please email[email protected].

by Luke Osteen /photo by Susan Renfro