The lights of the theater go down. A chill creeps into the auditorium, and it’s not from the chilly air outside. A sound is heard, a painful creak, and Hill House is awakened.
Stage Coach Players opened its production of “The Haunting of Hill House” on Thursday, delivering a gothic thriller for the Halloween season. The play, adapted by F. Andrew Leslie from Shirley Jackson’s iconic 1959 novel, runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9. The production offers an genuinely unsettling experience for those seeking psychological horror over gore.
Shows run at 7:30 pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with 2:00 p.m. matinees on Sundays.
The play’s focus on atmosphere is a deliberate choice. Director Maria Boynton, a longtime member of Stage Coach Players, is a self-professed fan of Shirley Jackson’s work.
“I enjoy a good scary story, but I love gothic literature…I like to be psychologically challenged,” Boynton said. “The scare comes from that, instead of somebody jumping out and splitting their throat.”
The set design is a standout, a dark and moody place with looming set pieces that show the oppressive weight of the house. Combined with an unsettling sound and light design, the stage itself becomes the villain of the story.
Against this set, the cast builds remarkable chemistry, allowing the dialogue to flow naturally. Meg Stalder (Eleanor) gives an incredible performance, masterfully portraying the character’s tragic downward spiral as the house begins to affect her. She is balanced by Lacey Toigo (Theodora), who expertly moves through tonal changes, making the funny moments land and the dramatic moments tense.
Denny Boynton (Dr. Montague) provides a steady, grounding presence, the “straight man” trying to keep the investigation under control, while Michael Mattingly (Luke) successfully lifts up the comedy when the tension becomes unbearable.
Even the supporting roles are memorable. Lyndsay Whitmer (Mrs. Dudley) is frighteningly stern, delivering her lines with a harshness that earns its own dread, while Bonnie Miller (Mrs. Montague) and Steve Sturm (Arthur) provide comedic relief and a zaniness that fills the world out.
Up next, For those looking for a unique Halloween activity, the theater is holding a special event.
“We’re doing a costume contest,” Boynton said. “Anybody that comes in costume tomorrow (FridayOct. 31), the cast is actually going to peek out at intermission and pick their favorite costume.”
The winner will receive two tickets to a show of their choice next season..
Ultimately, Stage Coach Players’ “The Haunting of Hill House” is a sophisticated, unsettling production that makes the audience begin to fear the unseen and wince at every sound. For a Halloween experience that will follow you home, Hill House is waiting.
