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
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