‘Woman in Black’ called a ‘spine chiller’

Although Richmond Civic Theatre is perhaps best known for its exuberant musicals featuring large casts, its dramas with fewer actors are memorable too.  

RCT typically offers its Main Stage shows over two weekends, but for “The Woman in Black,” all five shows are condensed into one weekend.

Performances of “the terrifying tale of the classic ghost story genre” start on Halloween night and end Sunday, Nov. 3.   

Staff say the theater at 1003 E. Main St. in Richmond is “the perfect place to be this Halloween weekend.” 

On first glance, the plot might not seem to match the show’s name. It focuses on a lawyer who attended the funeral of an elderly recluse. He hires an actor to tutor him in recounting a story that has long haunted him based on what happened at the funeral. 

Audiences will then see that a completely unexpected, absolutely terrifying chain of events is set in motion.

Jeremy Stark is the Actor and Brent Shinkle is Kipps. Understudies for the Woman in Black are Sally Hale and Halie Scott. Aaron Martin provides voiceovers. 

This stage adaptation is based on Susan Hill’s novel. It was the second longest running theatrical production in London, second only to Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” 

Reviews give high praise for the drama’s previous performances. The Daily Mail called it “A real theatrical spine chiller … A truly nerve shredding experience.”

Time Out New York said it “provides a pleasurable ripple of fear down one’s spine and an uncomfortable lurch in the pit of one’s stomach.” 

RCT’s production team is: Director, Teresa Whittaker. Assistant Director/Stage Manager, Linda Ward. Scenic Designer, Carvin Rinehart. Costume Designers, Paul Jordan and Jan Jordan. Hair & Make-up Supervisor, Amber Daggy. Lighting Designer, John Oberle. Sound Designer, Bailey Russell. Sound Consultant, Rick Funk. Technical Director, Aaron Clarke.

The crew includes: Assistant Stage Manager, Vicki Martin. Fly Crew Lead and Fog Machine Operator, Phil Baisley. Light Board Operators, John Oberle and Erica Kretchman. Lighting Assistant, David Marsee. Sound Board Operator, Bailey Russell. Costume/Props Crew, Susan Arnett. Lead Scenic Painter, Carvin Rinehart. Assistant Scenic Painters, Bennett Arthur Ritchie. Set Build Team, Aaron Clarke, Leo Davis, Brennen Urich.