A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Dark Rituals

Full-Length Play, Dark Comedy  /  2w, 2m, 1any gender (adult)

" Dark Rituals is a thriller like no other you've ever seen. It brilliantly combines seduction, betrayal, and a dozen 180 degree plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat." - North Star

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 2m, 1any gender (adult)
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Mystery/Thriller
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14 - 18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Thom Bennett is a winner of the Canada 125 Award!

Details

Summary
Deep in the northern woods, world famous anthropologist Anne McCauley is researching the dark rituals of America's first nations. Aided by local Shaman Vernon Rivers, she is learning the spine chilling tale of Windigo, a legendary cannibal creature. Suddenly her son and despised daughter in law return to her secluded cottage. A series of diabolical events is triggered that brings the audience and Anne McCauley face to face with the darkest fears that lurk in all of us: that territory where the supernatural blends with murder and ritual death. Don't be fooled by names in the cast list, for no one is what he or she appears to be and everyone is wearing a mask of deception. Dark Rituals is a contemporary thriller of revenge and family conflict, spiced with a delicious seasoning of black humor.
History
Dark Rituals was first performed at the Rainbow Theatre in Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada on July 27, 1993. It was directed by Simon Joynes.

ANNE MCCAULEY -  writer; mid to late 60s
VERNON RIVERS - First Nations male; 35 - 55
HARRISON MCCUALEY -  Anne's son; 29
DOROTHY MCCAULEY -  Harrison's wife; 25
DR. D. MURRAY -  physician; mid-30s  

Dr. D. Murray may be played by a man or a woman.

  • Time Period Contemporary, Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Stage Combat, Special Effects, Drag Performance
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Gun Shots

Media

"Dark Rituals is a thriller like no other you've ever seen. It brilliantly combines seduction, betrayal, and a dozen 180 degree plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat." - North Star

"An exciting and devilish cross between Deathtrap, Psycho, and Basic Instinct." - MCTV

"Thom Bennett skillfully blends authentic First Nations' legends and beliefs with an inventive story of murder and intrigue." - Clarkston Village Players

"Dark Rituals" is a thriller with many twists...just when you think you finally have everyone figured out, the plot shifts yet again."- The Muskokan

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

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Authors

Thom Bennett

Thom Bennett divided his time between careers in the theatre and in education, until a few years ago. As a teacher, he held a Ph.D. in Educational Systems Development, authored numerous journal articles, and served on the Ontario Ministry of Education's Advisory Committee on ...

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