Little Theatre to present production of ‘The Woman in Black’

According to Artistic Director Jared Sparks Lee, “The Woman in Black” is one of the scariest plays ever written. Area audiences can decide for themselves during the production’s run Thursday, Jan. 8, through Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County.

Written by Stephen Mallatratt, the play centers on a lawyer who hires an actor to help him recount a disturbing story for family and friends — one that has haunted him since attending the funeral of an elderly recluse years earlier. During that visit, he glimpsed the mysterious Woman in Black, whose mere mention terrifies local residents. She is believed to be a specter haunting the area where her illegitimate child died in an accident, and legend holds that anyone who sees her is doomed to die. The lawyer invites friends to watch as he and the actor recreate the events of that dark night, blurring the line between storytelling and reality.

The three-person cast includes Michael Antonelli as Arthur Kipps, Trenton Eaves as the actor and Alexandra Beech as the Woman in Black.

Behind the scenes, the production team includes David Sparks-Lee as assistant director; Seth Rhodes as stage manager; Joe Compton and Matt Spies on set construction; Compton as lighting designer; Jared Sparks Lee, in collaboration with the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, as sound designer; Chelsea Rhodes on sound operation; Kathy Blair-Bergstrom as costume designer; and Tenille Williams, Brad Waugh and Kayla Wyers as stage crew.

Performances will be held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, students and veterans. Tickets may be purchased through the Kent State University Performing Arts Box Office at 330-308-6400 or at the theater prior to performances.

The production is sponsored by Arts Center Newcomerstown, along with season sponsors Dover Eagles No. 515, Roger and Mary Spies and Park Village Health Care Center.

“I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to direct one of the scariest plays ever written,” Sparks Lee said. “This ghost play is sure to leave audiences feeling more unsettled than when they arrived. Get your tickets — if you dare.”

The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County is located at 466 Carrie Ave. NW in New Philadelphia.