The Tellico Community Players are once again preparing to take the stage, as they put the final touches on their latest production: “Wait Until Dark.”

The play follows a visually impaired Greenwich Village housewife who becomes the target of three con men searching for a doll filled with diamonds in her apartment. Throughout the production, the sinister trio hatches a plot against their intended victim — but she uncovers their charade and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues.

The production will be brought to life by six actors and is directed by Dennis Loy. Performances are scheduled for June 12-16 and June 19-23.


TWISTS AND TURNS

“The audience is going to feel a lot of suspense — and they’re going to feel a lot of emotional highs,” Loy assured.

And while the Players’ production shares some similarities with the 1967 film featuring Audrey Hepburn, the director said there are differences, as well.

“I’ve got a lot of twists and turns on it,” Loy said. “And it’s not one of our normal comedies or musicals. It’s a suspenseful thriller (and) I can guarantee the audience is going to be right on the edge of their seats from the beginning to the end.”

‘FANTASTIC’ CAST

Loy credited the cast from top to bottom for making his vision come to life.

“This cast is just fantastic,” Loy said.

In the lead role of Susan is Knoxville native Judie Douglas. The longtime actor has been involved in theater for around 20 years and is excited to debut “Wait Until Dark” to the community.

One of the most challenging things about her current role is playing a blind character.

“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Douglas said. “It was very hard. … I just tried to stay out of focus, which I found myself doing (in everyday tasks).”

“Oh, this is a great place,” Douglas said of the Tellico Community Playhouse. “And I tell everybody about it that I know.”

Acting opposite of Douglas in the main antagonist role is Bill Howard, as Harry Roat Jr.

“Without giving too much away, Roat is a disturbed character,” Howard said. “He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants — literally nothing.

“And he’s driven and maniacal and a really messed-up guy.”

Along with Douglas and Howard is Nick Nichols as Carlino, Hugh Aukerman as Sam, Joel Bonnan as Mike and Megan Jones as Gloria.

“There’s a lot of tension and there’s a lot of twists and turns,” Loy reiterated. “I think the audience is going to be gasping and (exclaiming), ‘Oh my gosh!’

“So that’s my goal as director … to make the audience ride this roller coaster of emotions.”

Ticket information can be found at https://www.tellicocommunityplayhouse.org.