SOMETHING TO HIDE: Review
Leslie Sands' Something to Hide is a British thriller full of tension and witty dialogue. Despite the plot of twists and turns, audiences might be surprised at the amount of dark comedy lurking within the text.
I attended the opening night performance with three friends and my husband, and although we arrived at seven, we had a hard time finding seats together, as it appeared the show was sold out. (Doors open at 6:45 pm and I recommend getting there early for prime seating!) Once the show began, it was clear the audience had been eager for our 2018 season to begin. Every surprise was met by "ooh"s and "aahh"s, the mark of a wonderfully attentive audience.
The sign of a good mystery, in my opinion, is its ability to keep you guessing--and that requires talent from both the writer and the performers. This Hitchcock-esque drama revolves around a cast of complex characters and their ability to manipulate one another. The stakes are high and in the end, someone has to lose. Under the astute direction of Keith Zagorski and his assistant Theo Reddinger, the cast of Something to Hide excelled at keeping the audience of the edge of their seats. You could hear the audience audibly guessing what would come next, and there were constant murmurs of "I told you so!" and "This is so messed up." In fact, my own husband leaned over to me countless times, trying to deduce the ending before it was revealed.
The plot of Something to Hide is driven by the curious nature of Inspector Davies, played by Bruce Travers. Travers does an excellent job developing the character of an astute and non-threatening--but certainly underestimated--country policeman. Faced instantly with tragic circumstances, leading lady Karen Holt is immediately likable and sympathetic, thanks to Jennifer Kopach's strong and effective delivery. Initially, it is hard to know what to make of her husband, Howard Holt--is he genuine? Or even likable? Mike Prest tackles this complicated role, adding layers of detachment and frustration that ultimately reveal his character to be cold-hearted and selfish. The tension in the scenes between these three actors created an impressive roller-coaster dynamic that lasted throughout both acts.
Of course, Something to Hide cannot exist without four more talented actors. Bridget Yeager is a perfect picture of the mod time period as Julie Grant, the model mistress who opens the show in Howard's arms. The shrewd neighbor, Miss Cunningham, and the nosy maid, Stella, complicate the story even more with their suspicions and self-centered motives. Mary Romeo and Valerie Boyce, respectively, are perfectly cast in these roles and provide great comedic relief. Jason X. Fernandez also provides necessary comedic relief as he so naturally becomes the character of Will Purdie, the helpful auto mechanic.
It's hard to talk too much about the plot without revealing secrets, but I can assure you that audiences walked away incredibly satisfied. (The chatter in the ladies' room told me so!) Something to Hide is a masterpiece created through suspense and blackmail, jealousy and deceit, infidelity and corruption. This thriller is the perfect spring drama and I would encourage audiences of all ages to attend. Congratulations to the cast and crew on a job well done!
Tickets are still available for the remaining performances on May 10, 11, and 12. All shows begin at 7:30 pm and tickets are only $10. You can purchase online, in person at the Hostess Gift Shoppe in Beaver, or reserve with our box office by calling (724) 494-1680. Hope to see you there!
