NORWAY — A talented cast delivers nail-biting suspense and explosive action in a successful production of “Wait Until Dark” currently on stage at the Norway Grange.

Director Jane Whitney Riseman leads six principal characters through a complex and compelling plot. A blind woman finds herself entangled in a search for a mysteriously coveted doll. She must draw on every bit of courage and ingenuity she can muster as the sinister motives of three strangers emerge.

“Wait Until Dark” is a challenging effort for OHMPAA (Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association). Norm Hutchins and Jeff Orwig, producers of this show, note that this is the first time the organization has tackled a suspense thriller in its 28-year history of musicals and comedies.

Molly Hill gives an outstanding portrayal of Susy Hendricks, a demanding role of a sightless, but passionately independent woman. It’s also a highly physical role, requiring her to know and navigate around her basement apartment in Greenwich Village with a convincing manner using all of her senses except sight.

Andy Turner portrays Harry Roat, Jr., a con man whose chilling sociopathic personality builds to a deadly confrontation with Susy. Turner’s characterization includes varied persona, including an appearance as his own demented father. It’s the final scenes in which Turner’s acting skill reaches full potential. Susy has solved the riddle of the sought-after doll, and she has uncovered Roat’s murderous intent. It has become a one-on-one fight to the death between the blind woman and the crazed killer.

Steve Jones and Tom Littlefield excel in their roles as Roat’s accomplices. Jones’ performance as Mike Talman is consistently good as he becomes Susy’s confidant through his story of knowing her husband in the war. He convinces her that he is helping and protecting her, until she realizes the ruse.

Littlefield, in the role of a small-time criminal and phony police sergeant, brings comic relief to the show’s intensity. Maria Commass, a freshman at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, plays Gloria, a bratty girl in an upstairs apartment who gives some important assistance to Susy. Its her first performance for OHMPAA, and she demonstrates ample dramatic skill.

Steve Sessions has a supporting role as Susy’s husband. He insists that she develop independence as she copes with her fairly recent blindness.

Brief appearances by policemen at the end are played by Elton Cole, a veteran of OHMPAA productions, and Ty Wyman, a sophomore at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

“Wait Until Dark” depends upon a complicated plot which the audience begins to understand from the opening scene. Riseman’s direction succeeds in balancing the play’s diverse characterizations which must be seen as one thing by the audience and another by the blind, but far-from-helpless, Susy.

The set for “Wait Until Dark” is also an essential element for the show’s success. Lighting, and a climatic blackout, are very well done.

This production of “Wait Until Dark” is an excellent example of the meaning of community theater. Credit goes to all kinds of supporters who made the show possible, including the Norway Opera House Corporation for use of the window from the former Woodman’s sporting goods store. That window is significant in the plot.

The play takes place in the 1960s and many props are used effectively. Riseman said a washing machine and a refrigerator of that period, both key props, were loaned by Beth and Bill Miller, and she believes it took a trip by barge from Frye’s Island in Sebago Lake to get them into the show.

Given the convoluted nature of the script and the necessity for some precise timing, OHMPAA has pulled off a remarkably effective production.

Remaining performances at the Norway Grange, 15 Whitman St., Norway, are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 21-23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24.

Tickets are available at Books-N-Things, Main St., Norway, phone 739-6200. The adult price is $10 and tickets for seniors and students under 18 are $8.

For more information, go online to www.ohmpaa.com.

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