“The Woman in Black” MILWAUKEE reviewed by Amy Menzel

*** Perhaps, like me, you’ve heard the acclaim for The Woman in Black. Cue my regular note of praise for the Milwaukee Rep’s media team that effectively and engagingly spreads the word regarding all the fantastic experiences they continue to offer theater-goers. (Also cue my persistent reminder that you follow The Rep on social media and/or habitually visit milwaukeerep.com.) I had read “Top 5 Reasons that You’ll Love The Woman in Black, the Record-Setting UK Hit,” and was eager to see for myself.

I know good theater when I see it, and this is undoubtedly very good theater. David Acton and Mark Hawkins were captivating in their roles as Arthur Kipps and The Actor, respectively, Saturday night. Both impressively embody the emotional magnitude of their characters’ situations and convey the urgency and depth of their stories. With careful pacing, emotive expression, and purposeful movement, the duo command the stage and absorb the audience. The immediacy between the actors and the audience in the small Stiemke Studio raises the stakes for the actors, which makes their performances even more impressive. And the production uses very little in the way of props and special effects, which is yet another reason so many have been awed by the way tension is built in this thriller.

I’m intrigued that Ben Porter, Drama League Distinguished Performance Award nominee for this production of The Woman in Black will play both roles during certain performances of this run.

If you appreciate stellar acting, a unique and immersive theatrical experience, and – most importantly – a slow-burn thriller, there is no reason not to go see this show. For me, however, Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of the English novella by Susan Hill is not my cup of tea. But I did put the book on hold at my public library.

★★★

Ready to settle in for an unsettling story?

The Woman in Black runs now through March 23 at The Milwaukee Rep’s Stiemke Studio. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com.

Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (no 7 p.m. performances on 2/9, 2/16, 3/16, 3/23)
Tuesdays – 7:30 p.m. (6:30 on 1/28; no performances on 2/11, 2/18, 3/18)
Wednesdays – 7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. matinees on 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12)
Thursdays – 7:30 p.m.
Fridays – 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The show runs approximately 2 hours including an intermission and is intended for theater-goers ages 12 and up.

Special Events and Performances Include:
TalkBacks – Friday evenings following the performance on January 31, February 7 & 14
Early Bird – Tuesday, January 28 – 6:30 p.m.
Audio-Described Performance – Tuesday, January 28 – 6:30 p.m.
Post-Show Panel, “Culture of Horror and Folklore” – Tuesday, February 4
ASL Performance – Friday, February 14 – 7:30 p.m.
Ghost Stories post-show hosted by Milwaukee author Nick Botic – Friday, February 21, and Tuesday, February 25
Dinner Dialogues Series – Monday, March 3, 5-8 p.m. at Lulu Café and Bar (registration required; see milwaukeerep.com for details)