A superb blend of theatrical elements conspire to thrill and chill the audience in I’ll Be Back Before Midnight.
A skilled cast within a world created by brilliant set and light design produce a most unpredictable plot.
Recently sprung from a psychiatric rehabilitation program, Jan and her archaeologist husband Greg rent a country farmhouse in an effort to find tranquility.
Enter their farmer landlord with a whiskey-enhanced tale of a gruesome unsolved murder that took place in the living room of the house. He added that a rueful ghost still wandered there on occasion.
Next, Greg’s controlling sister Laura arrives on the scene, suitcase in hand, to further thwart any hope of serenity.
Suspense and tension mount in the first act as character and plot develop, along with an apparition.
Farmer George provides many laughs to ease the tension, even if they are about interesting accidental country deaths versus mundane city ones.
With a carte blanche of twist and turns that would baffle Detective Poirot, the clever script must be followed closely to reconcile motivation. Jealousy, illicit love, deceit and downright evil are among the contenders.
Nail biting in the audience escalates along with the on-stage action in the second act, as apparitions and bodies – alive and dead – clash in the night.
Timorous Jan is played well by Daniela Vlaskalic, whose fragile and physically-clumsy movements still convey strength. The audience feels her almost tangible fear with each of her gasping breaths.
Making his Drayton Entertainment debut, Andy Pogson plays Greg. Pogson brings the right touch of supportive spouse within the confines of his true character.
Veteran actor Sandy Winsby is thoroughly enjoyable as farmer George, whose only ulterior motive is to procure another glass of whiskey.
Elana Post plays it expertly as the wiley sister – or is she really? Nobody can be trusted.
Director James Kall is a familiar face with Drayton Entertainment and also has numerous television and Broadway credits in performances and directorial capacities. The show reaps the benefits of his experience.
The creative team includes set designer Samantha Burson and lighting designer Steve Lucas. Their expertise pays off as blood-stained walls and dawn light are realistically conveyed to great effect. Joe Bostick serves as fight director.
I’ll Be Back Before Midnight was written by Peter Colley. The show is billed as the most widely-produced stage play in Canadian history. A box office record-breaker internationally as well, it has also been a feature Hollywood film.
Fortunately it is now playing at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and the playwright himself was present on opening night to witness a still trembling audience manage to arise from their seats in a standing ovation.
I’ll Be Back Before Midnight runs until March 30. Tickets can be purchased online at www.stjacobscountryplayhouse.com, in person at the theatre box office, or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
