By Jill Fales for NewportMesaDailyVoice.com
Edgar Allen Poe, eat your heart out. "The Woman in Black," playing at the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse on weekends through Nov. 22, is a classic ghost story that leaves the audience going to bed with a night light.
A true ghost story is meant to unfold unhurriedly as suspense builds. During the show I could feel the audience’s heart rate rise, breaths deepen, and eyes widen along with mine. A sparse set, along with an intricate lighting design and sound cues, played upon my imagination throughout the show.
"The Woman in Black" tells the story of Kipps, a lawyer traumatized by events that befell him. He hires a professional actor to help him relive his nightmare, hoping it will bring healing and peace to his tormented existence.
The script of "The Woman in Black" is richly literary, even poetic at times. It was adapted by playwright Stephen Mallattrat from Susan Hill’s novel of the same name. The show opened in London’s West End over 20 years ago and is still running.
Being a two-man show, "The Woman in Black" is a huge undertaking for even the most talented actor. And for actors Jaycob Hunter and Ed McBride, the challenge was even more profound; both are typically comedic actors. But like a levitating body in a séance, McBride and Hunter both rose to the occasion. Under the direction of Stephen Hulsey, both actors gave not only life, but soul to the chilling story. They both infused subtle humor into the show, rounding out many scenes.
Having to play multiple characters was part of the challenge for the actors. Often McBride and Hunter had only a few seconds on stage to become another character. Whether by taking off a scarf, donning a pair of glasses, or completely changing their countenance, mannerisms, and accent, they seamlessly made the changes believable by an intense character study and excellent direction.
This show was clearly a labor of love for them. I had a chance to ask how they prepared for their roles and they admitted to coming early to many rehearsals for extra work together.
"The Woman in Black" is more than a must see, it is a must experience.
This ghost story will be sending goosebumps up your spine on weekends through Nov. 22.
Tickets: $18 general admission; $16 students and seniors; $13 groups of 10 or more.
©2009 Costa Mesa Playhouse