Alton High School presented the annual fall play on Thursday, Oct. 27. “Nightwatch” made its debut on the auditorium stage for an audience full of family, friends, and others in the community.
“Nightwatch” tells the story of Elaine Wheeler, a paranoid young woman, John Wheeler, her worried husband, and Blanche Cook, her doting best friend. When Elaine sees a sinister view from her window she becomes insistent on evil forces at play in the neighborhood. The story continues with twists and turns that lead to a thrilling resolution.
Act 1 of the play gave the audience a curious disposition of never truly being sure of who to trust. Act 2 followed with even more distrust that left viewers on the edge of their seats. Low whispers could be heard in the crowd, each voice wondering what could happen next.
Danielle Kelly, junior, took center stage as Elaine Wheeler the female lead. Eli Ware, junior, quickly stepped in as male lead John Wheeler. Kelly dazzled the audience with her expressive acting, while Ware amazingly performed as John Wheeler with little time to prepare as he received the role just earlier that day.
Derrick Devault, teacher, and Set Director, said, “I think it’s awesome that Eli stepped up; he’s really doing a great job with the role.”
The stage was set to resemble a cozy New England house and was painted a rustic forest green. Dramatic lighting added to the ominous atmosphere of the show, and eerie music and background sounds only added to the melancholia.
Audience member Kenzie Ingram, junior, said, “The play was really interesting, and I thought they did a great job performing the plot twist.”
The show will premiere again at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, and Saturday, Oct. 29.
