"The Woman in Black" up next for ESU Theatre

ESU Theatre continues its season with an English ghost story, The Woman in Black. Based on a novel by Susan Hill, it was adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, the Emporia State production will be presented Wednesday-Saturday Feb. 27-March 1 at 7:30 p.m. in King Hall’s Bruder Theatre.

Unanimously acclaimed by critics and now celebrating over 14 years in London’s West End, The Woman In Black combines the power and intensity of live theatre with the cinematic quality of film noir. “It is not a tale of horror, but it uses a continuous sense of brooding menace to build to its climax,” said Jim Bartruff, ESU theatre director.

In the play, a young solicitor, Arthur Kipps, is sent to Eel Marsh House along the east coast of England. There he is to settle the estate of Mrs. Alice Drablow and attend her funeral. At the funeral, he observes a young, gaunt woman dressed in black. Later, he sees her again at the graveyard. Kipps asks the locals about her but they refuse to acknowledge her.

Ben Fleer, a junior from Olathe, portrays Kipps. Gabe Moyer, Olathe sophomore, is “The Actor” and Emily Warren, a freshman from Wichita, appears as the title character.

The play is under the direction of Kyle Land. The production team includes Amanda Dura (costume designer), Michael Wilke, Atchison senior, is the scenic and lighting designer and Katie Schultz, Hesston senior, is production stage manager. Pat Janssen, Emporia senior, is creating the complex sound design. The makeup designer is Senior Tricia Stogsdill, a senior from Pleasanton. Chris Wilson, Mulvane freshman, is the assistant stage manager.

Tickets for The Woman in Black are $10 for adults, and $5 for students. Tickets can be reserved by calling the ESU box office at 341-6378.

Last Updated February 5, 2008>