By Cheryl Calhoun
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

A mystery set in 1935 is showing at the Harbour Playhouse Little Theatre. In a mansion in Essex, a psychopathic murderer is trying to escape the haunted thoughts of a vicious murder that he has committed.

Danny (Tim Evers) is a giddy teen-age boy who is introduced to the rich Mrs. Bramson (Joecile Harlow) owner of a country mansion in Essex, after he impregnates her maid (Mary Jane McGuire). A charming, conniving youth, Danny manages to land a job as the handyman of the mansion.

Soon, Mrs. Bramson's intent to upbraid Danny turns into a dependence on the young charmer, to the dismay of everyone else in her household, including her niece, Olivia Grayne (Rhonda Alexander).

The good-for-nothing Olivia is the first to question Danny's motives. Meanwhile, the ungainly, pregnant maid, Dora Parkoe, and the gossipy housekeeper, Mrs. Terrence (Cis Browning), have no clue as to what Danny is capable of.

The plot thickens, and investigators begin to question Danny about the brutal murder of a young woman that has the community in an uproar. As Danny relapses into episodes of psychosis, the audience soon realizes that Danny is the murderer, and he is plotting to kill again.

The house takes on a haunted appearance. One evening, Mrs. Bramson realizes she has been left alone in the mansion. She begins crying out for Danny. Little does she know, Danny is her only threat.

Evers, 15, is remarkable in the character of Danny. His ability to go from a cheerful lad to a psychopathic killer in one breath is amazing. The other cast members' performances were also believable. Joecile Harlow's performance as the dependent Mrs. Bramson was fantastic, including her British accent. Mary McGuire's performance as the pregnant, un-educated maid was realistic. Rhonda Alexander, as Olivia, depicted the perfect rich lady's ineffective niece.

This revival of the Emlyn Williams' 1935 thriller, łNight Must Fall,˛ is that of an old-time suspense mystery that we rarely see on Broadway anymore. The audience enjoyed an exciting chain of events that escalated to a dramatic climax.

This is a must see for those seeking chills and thrills.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens, and $5 for children under 5 years old. Season tickets are also available. For reservations, call (281) 337-SNOW.

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