Review: “Night Watch” at Raven Theatre

A man and woman in pajamas look out their bedroom window t night.

Raven Theatre’s “Night Watch,” with Aila Ayilam Peck and Kroydell Galima/Photo: Michael Brosilow

RECOMMENDED

Coming at you with the feel of a Turner Classic Movie, Raven Theatre’s “Night Watch” (written by Lucille Fletcher) is a classic psychological thriller, first presented on stage in 1972 before moving to the big screen with Elizabeth Taylor in the lead role. Elaine is a fragile New York City housewife battling insomnia who may or may not have glimpsed a body in the creepy house across the way. Immediately coming to her aid is the husband who, after a bit of persuasion, summons the police. They, of course, do not find a body. Confused, the wife goes about her day only to be confronted by strange occurrences that lead her memories to a place she’d rather not be. Was there ever really a body? And why does her husband think she should take a rest in Switzerland?

Credit artistic director Sarah Slight for her keen eye in choosing to produce this underrated gem which offers a surprisingly fresh take on the “nobody believes the hysterical woman” genre. Credit also director Georgette Verdin for their respectful and well-thought-out presentation. Every element onstage works perfectly to create a spot-on 1970s world where it seems perfectly natural when someone orders up a telegram by phone. Effortlessly inhabiting this world are a host of staple noir characters that include tough-guy cops, not-so-loyal best friends and scheming husbands. Beating at the heart of this production is Aila Ayilam Peck who, as the beleaguered housewife, plays her role with everything she’s got. Maybe more Bette Davis than Elizabeth Taylor, Peck delivers every line with heart and a perfect femme fatale accent. She is the glue to the entire production.

A woman in a white coat looks across a room in fear.

Raven Theatre’s “Night Watch,” with Aila Ayilam Peck/Photo: Michael Brosilow

There are also enough plot twists strewn throughout to keep the audience engaged. So much so, in fact, that at intermission several people hazarded guesses as to what was really going on. These guesses were all wrong. A collective chuckle, however, was heard once the whole truth was finally revealed. It felt as satisfying as a highball sipped on a wingback chair after work.

“Night Watch” at Raven Theatre, 6157 North Clark, (773)338-2177, raventheatre.com. Through November 12. Tickets are $45 (students $15).