I'll Be Back Before Midnight October/November, 2003 A young couple considers buying an abandoned mansion near a quarry from a strange farmer who delights in relaying the gruesome history of the old dwelling. The wife, Jan -- who is recovering from a nervous disorder -- must also deal with the unexpected appearance of her husband's lustful sister. The scares come early and quick in this tightly woven thriller and climax in a horrifying twist that leaves you wondering if anyone will get out alive.

Liiiiiiisa's baaaa-aaaaaaack.

Thrills and Chills

Our second show was a Halloween thriller and we wanted it to be something that most plays are not.....scary.  There are lots of plays that are thrillers and murder mysteries, and this script was both, but we wanted there to be moments when the audience was grab the person next to you, hide your eyes, scream out loud scared.  It's not an easy task onstage. 

We did some funky stuff with our publicity photos to try and ramp up the creepy factor.  Most actresses really don't like it when you overexpose them from three inches away while shooting up their noses.  Much to their credit, Lisa and Susan were game for almost anything.

The movies can cheat for scares, it's not so easy on stage.  We can't play with volume very easily, people can't simply appear from behind the refrigerator door from nowhere, we're somewhat limited in our use of creepy music and worst of all we can't throw the obligitory cat at an actress.  That's no to say we didn't take some cheap shots when we had the chance.

Here we are putting the final touches on the set just before opening night.  Two interesting things in this picture; 1.  This is one of the few pictures of our elusive set builder Rick Good.  2.  If you look closely you can see a harness  hanging in the doorway.  We used this for our, "oh no she hung herself she's dead.....NO SHE'S NOT EEEEEH EEEEH EEEEEH STAB STAB STAB SPURT SPURT SPURT" Gag.  Never deny yourself one of the classics I always say.

Here's a close up of Rick from the picture above....it's kinda like a bigfoot sighting.

The Midnight cast from left to right:  Lisa Kaake, Rod Everhart, Rod Everhart's beard, Michael Chowning, and Susan Rardin.

Here the crew joins in, from left to right again: Ray Snoke, Jeff Roby, Jeremy Snoke, Nikki Hunter, Scott Culpepper.