Insider staff
Greg and Jan Sanderson were looking for a reboot of sorts.
They moved from the city to a remote farmhouse in the country after Jan’s nervous episode had landed her in a hospital recently and the move was done to help her in recovery.
Its been a tough couple of months and this exactly what Greg, played by Matt Potter, believes his wife needs.
Soon, you’re introduced to George Willowby, portrayed by Ursula Boutwell, a country farmer who has rented the small farmhouse to the Sandersons, whose wardrobe is filled with overalls and flannel shirts. She also enjoys her whiskey.
Jan (Jennifer Schaffner) is a bit nervous, which you soon learn is related to her stay in the hospital. So Willowby’s story about the hermit who murdered a young woman long ago in that very farmhouse does not make her feel all that safe. Adding Greg’s sister Laura (Karielle Andzaldi) into the mix isn’t exactly the restart to their marriage Jan was looking for.
And that’s just the background info you get early on in Tremont Street Productions presentation of I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, the latest main stage attraction at Hatbox Theatre. And trust us, there’s many twists and turns along the way that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Potter not only stars in this production, but also directed and produced it. It’s his first show at Hatbox, which he helped get off the ground earlier this year.
We caught the opening night performance, which just so happens to be the first main stage production with a full set. And you’re in luck because I’ll Be Back Before Midnight has six more shows before its three-week run is over. It will also be performed this weekend and next weekend with show times on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Like most shows, you learn a little bit more about the characters and the background of their lives as it goes on.
George has a son who she said didn’t like the country life and moved to the city, although that’s not really the case. Greg’s mom recently passed away and coincided with Jan’s breakdown.
There’s also something about the relationship between Greg and Laura that isn’t something you’d expect from siblings.
Now we could keep going on about the plot and the characters, but why ruin all the fun. This is definitely a show you should see live and not read about in your favorite newspaper.
The set is simple, but constructed in a way that reminds you of an off the beaten path farmhouse.
With only four characters, it’s an easy to follow storyline and the acting was spot on.
While this is advertised as a thriller in two acts, there’s plenty of humor along the way, which makes it even more intense when it quickly switches from serious to funny.
You never really know what’s going to happen next.
Expect to be in your seat for about two hours, minus a short break for intermission. But since it’s a plot filled with surprises around every corner, it won’t feel like you’ve been sitting that long.
Tickets are $16.50 for adults and $13.50 for students, seniors and members.
Tickets are available at hatboxnh.com and the Hatbox box office the day of the shows.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit hatboxnh.com.
