Downtown Olympia’s Harlequin Productions stages thriller in black and white

Film noir on stage

Harlequin Productions is transforming the thriller “Wait Until Dark” into an onstage film noir, using sets, costumes, makeup and lighting to create a black-and-white world. “Dark,” opening Friday, Jan. 23, is an update on Frederick Knott’s classic, adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher and set in 1944, during the heyday of film noir. Longtime Harlequin regular Helen Harvester stars as Susan, a newly blind woman whose home is invaded by criminals. Harvester, the company’s marketing and communications director, hasn’t been onstage in Olympia in a couple of years but recently appeared in “A Sherlock Carol” at Seattle’s Taproot Theatre. “I feel battle-ready for this extremely challenging role,” she told the Olympian, adding that her preparation for the part included working with a teacher for the visually impaired and with consultant Chandra Scheschy, a visually impaired theater professional. Producing artistic director Aaron Lamb, Harvester’s husband, directs a cast that also includes Matt Shimkus, Andy Gordon, Scott C. Brown, Travis Tingvall and Eleanor Rose Kinn. Performances (https://harlequinproductions.org/show/wait-until-dark/) are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23, 24 and 29-31 and Feb. 5-7 and 2 p.m. Jan. 25 and Feb. 5 and 8 at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia. Tickets are $35-$40; for performances at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 and 7, pay what you choose.

Play inspired by Joan of Arc

The life of the 15th century heroine Joan of Arc, who led the French army to victory and later became a saint, inspired “The Fairest Flame,” opening Friday, Jan. 23, at Olympia Little Theatre. The production (https://olympialittletheater.org/shows/the-fairest-flame/) is the West Coast premiere of Stacy Ericson’s drama, which imagines Joan’s life — and her influence on the women around her — while she was imprisoned in the Castle of Beaurevoir. Bitsy Bidwell, who’s co-directing the OLT production, heard about “Flame” from colleagues in Boise, Idaho, where she once taught costume design. “I loved the script the first time I read it and wanted to share it with audiences,” Bidwell told the Olympian. She asked friend and colleague Diana Purvine to co-direct. “We know that audiences will be intrigued by the way life 600 years ago resonates with our lives,” Bidwell said. The show includes mature themes and fog effects, so the theater advises viewer discretion. Performances are at 7:25 p.m. Jan. 23, 24, 30 and 31 and Feb. 5-7 and 1:55 p.m. Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 and 8 at the theater, 1925 Miller Ave NE, Olympia. Ericson will be in attendance for the Feb. 1 performance, which will be followed by a Q&A. Tickets are $10-$16.

Indigenous warriors share stories

“Stories from the Warrior Society” combines storytelling, images and music to illuminate the lives of contemporary warriors. The multimedia performance, happening Saturday, Jan. 24, at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, will feature Native storytellers who are also either active-duty military or veterans. The event, produced by Indigenous Performance Productions, will explore what it means to be a warrior today, shedding light on the evolution of warrior roles in tribal nations and in the United States. The event (https://www.washingtoncenter.org/event/stories-from-the-warrior-society-1-24-2026/) begins at 7 p.m. at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $29-$63.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore feels fortunate to live in a city with such a rich and deep theater scene.