YPSILANTI, MI–Walk into the dimly lit Riverside Arts Center and you find a minimalistic set, yet its eerie atmosphere promises an unique experience. As the curtains rise, the audience is transported into the haunting world of The Woman in Black, presented by Mind The Gap Theatre.

In an empty Victorian theatre, an old Arthur Kipps (Adrian Diffey) is reading aloud from a manuscript of his story. A young actor (Patrick Grimes), whom he hired to help dramatize the tale, enters and criticizes him for his rigid delivery. After a debate, they agree to perform the story, with the Actor playing a younger Kipps, and Kipps himself playing all the other characters and narrating the play.
From the first scene, the play captivates with its atmospheric tension and unique storytelling. Set against a backdrop of a desolate mansion shrouded in mystery, the narrative unfurls through the eyes of the protagonist, a young solicitor tasked with settling the estate of the deceased owner finds himself ensnared in a web of supernatural occurrences and dark revelations.

The strength of The Woman in Black lies not only in its gothic, suspenseful plot, but also in its thoughtful execution. The three-actor cast (Fran Potasnik) directs and portrays the line-less Woman in Black, delivers compelling performances, breathing life into each character they play with nuance.
One cannot overlook the technical merits that underpin the production. From the haunting sound design, by Adam Behnke, to the subtle yet effective lighting by Griifin Behnke that accentuated the eerie ambiance, every element works in tandem to create an immersive experience. The minimalist set design, by Steven R. White and Mr. Diffey, cleverly utilizes the space to evoke a sense of isolation and foreboding, nicely complementing the narrative.

At its core, The Woman in Black is a ghost story, but it transcends the conventional tropes of the genre. It delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the inexorable pull of the past, weaving a tapestry of emotions that lingers. Each twist and turn in the plot keeps the audience engaged, while moments of quiet reflection offer respite amidst the mounting tension.

As the play reaches its climax, the tension peak and anticipation builds, with the final turns and twists of the story being met audible gasps of astonishment.  The Woman in Black succeeds in doing what all great theater strives for – transporting the audience to another realm where the line between reality and illusion is blurred, and the power of storytelling reigs supreme.

The play is based on the 1983 book of the same name by English author Susan Hill. The production opened in London’s West End in 1989 and was performed there until 4 March 2023 for 13,232 performances, becoming the second longest running non-musical play in West End history after The Mousetrap.

The Woman in Black plays through April 7th at The Riverside Arts Center, 76 North Huron Street, Ypsilanti. Showtimes and advanced tickets can be purchased at www.mindthegaplux.com