Gaslight, the Play, a Spooky Hit

Stoneham Theater opened Gaslight as a play this past weekend and it's spooky and good dynamic fun. Like the classic movies, this theatrical version makes a theatergoer jump from fright and anticipation more than one time.
Stoneham Theatre presents Gaslight; directed by Weylin Symes and featuring Marianna Bassham and Robert Sorrel. Performances run from May 27 through June 13: Thurs. (7:30 pm), Fri. (8 pm), Sat. (4 pm & 8 pm), Sun. (2 pm). Tickets: $38-$44 regular admission, $34-40 for seniors, $20 for students; with student/senior discount matinees available. [Special pay what you can performance on Thurs., May 27.] Stoneham Theatre. 395 Main Street, Stoneham. Wheelchair accessible. For advance tickets and information, visit or call the Box Office at 781-279-2200 (hours Tues.–Sat., 1–6pm) or log onto www.stonehamtheatre.org.

Bella Manningham worries that her husband may be right when he says she’s going mad. But on one eventful night, a mysterious stranger arrives and Bella begins to understand the truth behind the disappearing pictures, mysteriously dimming lights, and haunting footsteps from above. Immortalized in a 1944 film treatment starring Ingrid Bergman, Patrick Hamilton’s chamber mystery (c1938, known as Angel Street in the U.S.) is a thrilling twisty and twisted portrait of a late Victorian London marriage.

Weylin Symes, Producing Artistic Director of Stoneham Theatre, directs this classic case of complete deception, with a plot laden with carefully crafted illusions, which have been maintained throughout a 5-year marital relationship. Unparalleled with any known actual experiences at the time it was written and later filmed, Gaslight is an eerie forecast of how just a title alone can perfectly describe numerous present day relationships.

Award winning Marianna Bassham steps into the shoes of Bella Manningham while Robert Serrell portrays her less than amiable consort Jack Manningham. Serrell returns to Stoneham Theatre following his terrifying portrayal of Robert Bruno in last year’s acclaimed Strangers On A Train, which was also directed by Symes and received an IRNE award for best sound design. Christopher Webb as Inspector Rough, Angie Jepson as Nancy, Dee Nelson as Elizabeth, and Ian O’Connor as the policeman support the lead characters. The artistic team is rounded out by Jeff Adelberg (Lighting Designer), Gail Astrid Buckley (Costume Designer), Katy Monthei (Set Designer), David Reiffel (Sound Designer), and Julie Tidemand (Props Master).

Coming up next as Stoneham Theatre Special Events: “The Edwards Twins”; featuring twin brothers Anthony and Eddie Edwards, impersonators of the stars, June 18-20, 2010.
“Always … Patsy Cline”; created by Ted Swindley and starring Becky Barta, July 8-25, 2010.
For details, www.stonehamtheatre.org/patsycline09.