'The Woman in Black' up next for ESU Theater

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By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)

Friday, February 8, 2008

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 the Bruder Theatre in Emporia State University’s King Hall.

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 theater 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 theater director.

In the play, a young solicitor, Arthur Kipps, is sent to Eel Marsh House along the east coast of England. He is there 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 directed by Kyle Land. The production team includes Amanda Dura, costume designer;, Michael Wilke, scenic and lighting designer; and Katie Schultz, stage manager. Pat Janssen, a senior from Emporia, is creating the complex sound design.

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.