‘Dark of the Moon’ begins run at Sherman Playhouse

SHERMAN — The Sherman Playhouse will debut its fall production of Howard Richardson and William Berney’s “Dark of the Moon,” an eerie tale of forbidden love, set against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains and the supernatural world. The curtain rises Friday at 8 p.m. for a four-week run.

“Dark of the Moon” is based on the haunting folk ballad of “Barbara Allen” and recounts the story of John, a strange “witch boy” who, upon first beholding the beautiful Barbara Allen, immediately falls in love. He is given human form to woo and marry her, on the condition that she remains true to him. Whether or not the rural, God-fearing townsfolk will allow this union to take place is the question that will plague them all “until death to them part.”

“Dark of the Moon is an interesting and inspiring look into the universality of the human condition,” said director, producer, and set designer Robin Frome of New Milford. “It delves into prejudice, religious morals and conventions, the verisimilitude of folklore, and the eternal struggle of partners in love against a disturbing

and restricting environment. We have brought this production to a work of art utilizing a provocative set, sound, and lighting design.”

The production features a large cast of area actors: John Squiers (Pawling, N.Y.), John Fabiani (Watertown), Judy Sullivan (Roxbury), Paige Gray (Danbury), Michael Wright (Newtown); Patrick Kelly, William Kenyon (both Ridgefield); Kate Morris, Jeff Rossman, Bailey McCann (all New Fairfield); Rufus de Rham, Katherine Almquist (both Kent); Phair Haldin, Keli Solomon, Meg Jones, Lynn Nissenbaum (all New Milford); Jessica Gleason, Michael Schaner, and Chris Marker (all Sherman).

Besides Frome, the show’s crew consists of lighting designer Al Chiappetta, sound designer David White, costumer Lisa Bonelli, choreography Marissa Caron, cast musician John Bolster, and stage manager David Almquist.

Dark of the Moon made its Broadway Debut at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) on March 14, 1945. The New York Times called the play “a provocative mixture of fantasy and earthiness … the color of folklore and the pathos of human yearning are effectively combined.”

Dark of the Moon runs Sept. 2-23 29-30, Oct. 1 6,7,8 13,14,15 at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 1, 8 and 15. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. Students may see any performance for $12 with a valid student ID.

Reservations can be made online at shermanplayers.org or by calling the box office at 860-354-3622.

The Sherman Playhouse is a non-Equity theatre company at 5 Route 39 North (next to the firehouse) in Sherman.

Photo by Tom Libonate / Contributed photo not for resale Kate Morris and John Squires in "Dark of the Moon."

Photo by Tom Libonate / Contributed photo not for resale Above, Phair Haldin, Jessica Gleason, Katherine Almquist, standing, as Conjure Woman, and John Squires in a scene from "Dark of the Moon."

Phair Haldin, Jessica Gleason, Katherine Almquist, standing, as Conjure Woman, and John Squires, in a scene from "Dark of the Moon" opening Friday night in Sherman.

Jessica Gleason as The Dark Witch, Kate Morris, standing, as Barbara Allen, John Squires as John the Witch Boy, and Phair Haldin as The Fair Witch, in a scene from the Sherman Players' production of "Dark of the Moon."