A HAUNTING ON THE HILL

Elizabeth Hand's riff on Shirley Jackson's HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, narrated with aplomb by Carol Monda, thrums with tension and dread. When New York City playwright Holly Sherwin stumbles across an eerie mansion in Upstate New York, she's certain it's the perfect place to rehearse her new play. Holly; her partner, Nisa; fading actress Amanda; and sound technician Stevie gather at the house and are soon surrounded by unsettling noises, voices, and smells, plus a knife-wielding neighbor, an oddly evasive owner, and hostile caretakers. Monda's low-pitched, raspy voice captures the characters' growing unease, heightened emotions, and suspicion as they fall prey to their rapidly escalating fear. The production is enhanced by subtle sound effects--creaking doors, footsteps, whispers--and chillingly sung murder ballads that echo throughout. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]