Footsteps in the Night

Gaslight

A melancholy gloom hangs heavily over the upscale, three-floor flat in Turn-of-the-Century New York City (a beautifully Designed Set by Collette Pollard and Lighted with wavering gaslight and shadow by JR Lederle). Suave, overbearing Victorian gentleman, Jack Manningham, acts as husband and caretaker for his wife, Bella. But Jack is an abusive man, and he’s quietly tormenting his wife, slowly and methodically driving her mad. He flirts with Nancy, the household’s saucy young maid, while accusing his wife of losing things and playing childish pranks on him. Bella simply can’t recall any of this. Since her mother was declared mentally ill, Bella is now questioning her own sanity. 

Every evening after their tea, Mr. Manningham goes out alone at night. He won’t tell Bella where he’s going and he returns late at night, after his wife has gone to bed. Scared that she’s losing her mind and that everyone is against her, Bella is helplessly watching her marriage devolve into something frightening and sinister. Then, one night, a stranger arrives at the Manningham door. English police Detective Rough, formerly of Scotland Yard, has some unbelievable and eye-opening information to share with Bella that will completely change the woman’s life.   

Equal parts mystery and psychological thriller, GASLIGHT (also known by its alternate title, ANGEL STREET) is one of Broadway’s longest running non-musical plays. The haunting 1938 thriller by British novelist Patrick Hamilton has been adapted into a more streamlined version by prolific American playwright, Steven Dietz (HOW A BOY FALLS, LONELY PLANET). Based upon the acclaimed play and the classic 1944 film, the title inspired Meriam Webster’s 2022’s word of the year: “gaslighting.” The term refers to the sort of psychological manipulation one might use on the internet to mislead another person and make them doubt their own reality. As Bella questions her memory, and even her sanity, she grows confused, insecure and eventually loses her self esteem. Where does Jack go every night? Why is the attic door locked? Whose footsteps wander the halls at night? And are those gaslight lamps in the parlor actually flickering… or not?

Beautifully Directed with sensitivity and sharpness, Jessica Thebus reminds audiences why she’s considered one of the Windy City’s premier theatre artists. Her work has been critical successes and provided so much enjoyment to so many Chicago audiences, including at the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Lookingglass. Here at Northlight, Ms. Thebus has directed almost a dozen plays. As always, Ms. Thebus brings out the best in her talented cast and guides them to their zenith. Here she delivers a tension-filled melodrama that’s laced with laughter and filled with unexpected jumps and jitters.

Making her Northlight debut, gifted Broadway and Regional theatre actress Cheyenne Casebier stars as Bella Manningham. In a performance that overflows with honesty and a certain Victorian natural quality, Ms. Casebier captures all the doubt and confusion of this poor, tortured woman. Thanks to a sumptuous wardrobe of authentic-looking period Costumes by Raquel Adomo, with Hair & Wigs created by Megan E. Pirtle, Cheyenne Casebier looks every inch the proper Victorian lady. She’s matched by talented veteran actor Lawrence Grimm, in the role of Jack Manningham. Illustrating why he’s looked upon as one of Chicago’s most prominent actors, this Jeff Award-winner plays Manningham as a very smooth, emotionally controlled gentleman. But in spite of the facade, Mr. Manningham is also extremely smarmy. Watch his eyes: Mr. Grimm’s despicable character hides a lot but gives away very little, yet the savvy theatergoer will observe the underlying evil in his soul. These are two brilliant performances, from a pair of polished, professional actors, make this production tick.

Having often appeared at Northlight Theatre in such excellent productions as BIRTHDAY CANDLES, FACELESS and LOST IN YOUNKERS, among others, Timothy Edward Kane provides an air of mystery, humor and hope to Bella. Portraying the stranger who arrives at the door, Mr. Kane is magnificent as Detective Rough, formerly from Scotland Yard. Gaining Bella’s trust, Rough provides a shocking story from the past that helps rescue Mrs. Manningham from a future of emotional torture. Actors Gavin Rhys and Nathan Reilly assist Mr. Kane at the eleventh hour with the their sheer, brute force.

Two other very talented actresses fill out this cast. Returning to Northlight Theatre after her appearance in PRAYERS FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, Kathy Scambiatterra, the Artistic Director and Founder of Artistic Home, has appeared in productions all over Chicago. She brings a welcome maternal quality to her portrayal of Elizabeth, the Manningham’s maid. Providing the emotional support and motherly care that Bella needs, Elizabeth proves to be a strong, feisty woman who’s always there for her mistress. And Janyce Caraballo also returns to the Northlight stage after appearing as Meg in LITTLE WOMEN and as Georgiana in GEORGIANA AND KITTY: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY. The talented actress has been seen on other stages all over Chicago, as well. As Nancy, the household’s sassy and independent young maid, Ms. Caraballo makes an abrupt character U-turn near the end of the play that provokes cheers and applause. These two ladies add much to the strong feminine viewpoint of Jessica Thebus’ excellent production.

Patrick Hamilton’s 1938 psychological thriller has undergone a more sleek and efficient adaptation by Steven Dietz. This dark tale of a marriage that’s based upon deceit and trickery is filled with thrills and chills. Jessica Thebus’ production of a husband subtly trying to drive his wealthy wife crazy, in order to steal from her, is the basis for this Victorian mystery. But the twists and turns that appear in Act II will grab hold of the theatergoer and never let go until the very end—when the footsteps in the night finally end.         

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 28-January 4 by Northlight Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 

(847) 673-6300 or by going www.northlight.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.