The Woman in Black is a psychological thriller that has been performed in theaters ranging from Broadway to community theaters, including DC regional theater last year, on the West End in London for years, and is now touring England. The Rockville Little Theatre production does the script justice with just the right amount of tingles.
From the outset, the production emphasizes the theatrical aspects of the story by framing the back of the set within a picture frame, and with the infamous ghost light lit and centered on the dark stage. Kipps enters and cautiously begins to interact with the Actor he has hired to help him perform an autobiographical tale he has written, repeating his text in various modes as directed. The interaction and rapport between the two form the duo’s point-counterpoint for the entire play. The dialog ebbs and flows with Doug Richesson as Kipps vacillates as he tries to accomplish his mission or retreat in defeat, while Tom Howley, as the Actor, goads him on, encourages, and placates the unsettled visitor.
And there’s lots to be unsettled about. Somewhat like the tale of the Ancient Mariner, Kipps acknowledges that he’s not an actor; his whole demeanor makes that clear, but he’s compelled to tell his story and pushes through his hesitancy, a commendable performance by Richesson. Tom Howley’s Actor is just as effective at bantering to ease the tension with the bluster of a seasoned performer and wannabe director, who organizes the sequences and even demonstrates performing the character’s role.
Filled with lyrical writing and Gothic style, the first half sets the eerie tone as Kipps recounts the devastating loss in his life. The deeper he gets into his own script, the more he flashes back, returning to the house to excise the thoughts and memories in a shadowed bedroom behind a light gauze scrim. Here’s where he starts to see the apparition of the title character, beautifully rendered with lighting design by Stephen Deming and Andre Harasty. The faint iridescent appearance is so fleeting, it seems to be a moving projection along the back recesses of the stage, but when the figure moves forward into the dim light, the impact is stunning. Nancy Somers is the titular Woman in Black whose curdling screams can be felt as well as heard, with incredible alacrity, sound and effects by Aaron Skolnik. Her fleeting movements across the stage in bustled black costuming by Harlene Leahy take you back to the turn-of-the-century era in a forbidden mansion.
As the tale unfolds through time and space (and lots of dialogue), we learn that while the entire town is aware of and familiar with the woman’s ghostly presence, her sorrow has particular relevance to Kipps. By the end, when the devastating details are disclosed, he seems to be physically relieved as he finally completes reciting the script, but just when he seems released from the apparition’s hold on him, the Actor sees her. So, is she real? Has Kipps really been exonerated from his demons? Have we?
The eerie, mysterious imaginings of The Woman in Black linger like vapor wafting through the air, drenching the atmosphere. The excellent performances in this Victorian push-and-pull duo, along with solid direction by Noel Schoonover, make this an ideal offering for the ghoulish season.
Running Time: Two hours, including a 10-minute Intermission.
The Woman in Black plays through October 5, 2025, presented by the Rockville Little Theatre, performing at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD. Purchase tickets ($24; $22 for students and seniors) online, by calling the Box Office (240-314-8690), or by email: (boxoffice@rockvillemd.gov).
The Woman in Black
Based on the novel by Susan Hill
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt
Directed by Noel Schoonove
CAST
Actor: Tom Howley
Kipps: Doug Richesson
The Woman: Nancy Somers
Understudy: Joseph Coracle
PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Noel Schoonover
Producers: Jerry Callistein, Teresa Gilcrist
Stage Manager: Denise Gilmore
Assistant Stage Manager: Ali Saffell
Set Design: Noel Schoonover
Set Construction: Steven Leshin
Scenic Lead Painter: Chuck McCarter
Properties Design: Laura W. Andruski
Set Dressing and Props: Laura W. Andruski, Isabel Baker, Ali Saffell
Lighting Design: Stephen Deming, Andrew Harasty
Sound Design: Aaron Skolnik
Costume Design: Harlene Leahy
