CU’s theater department presented the first performance of “Wait until Dark” last night, dishing out a classic thriller equally as well as the action and comedy shows of last semester.

The play focuses on a blind woman named Susy Hendrix, played by Amy Groen, who stumbles upon a tangled situation when her husband Sam, (Derek Niemchick) is away one night.

Three thugs have crept into her apartment looking for a doll filled with heroin, which they intend to sell in order to fend off loan sharks.

In a slowly unfolding plan, Susy allows the con men, Mike, Carlino and Roat, played by Paul Hoppa, Tim Adams, and Adam Miller, to believe that she trusts them.

A dangerous game ensues, leaving the audience guessing throughout as Susy attempts to control the darkness to keep the upper hand.

With this stage adaption, an element even more chilling than in the original Hitchcock film is the absence of music, except between scenes. The audience is left wondering what will happen to fill the silence.

As far as the acting goes, the relationship between Mike (Hoppa) and Susy (Groen) is played to perfection. She subtly, gradually changes her demeanor toward him, causing the audience to wonder if she is learning how better to trust or to deceive him.

The costumes and setting are done superbly, with the rounded “icebox” refrigerator, the splashy pistachio walls, and Susy’s bobbed hair all exuding a 1960s air.

“They did a good job of making it pretty creepy,” said Kevin Looman, a sophomore who attended the Wednesday dress rehearsal. “The set was amazing.”

Sherry Lee Allen guest directed this show in lieu of Jennifer Hunter, CU’s director of theater, who is on maternity leave.

“I would recommend [‘Wait until Dark’] because it has that suspense and true drama throughout the play,” Allen said. “It is not done very often as a play, so that is one of the reasons I would really suggest people see it on stage.”

If you haven’t seen it yet, you still have a chance, Feb. 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling (616) 254-1663. They are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for the general public.