All of the productions I have seen at Milwaukee Repertory Theater have either been classics or musicals. Last week we took a major turn, attending The Woman in Black, the best type of horror story.

Based on Susan Hill’s 1983 novel of the same title and adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, The Woman in Black is the second-longest-running play in London’s West End. In Milwaukee Rep’s production, all of the actors played their parts in London, too.

The Woman in Black tells the tale of a lawyer handling the affairs of a deceased woman. He becomes haunted by an apparition of a woman in black of whom the townsfolk will not speak. Eventually in an effort to exorcise the ghost, he tells his tale to a young actor. Those discussions are the focal point of the play.

Milwaukee Rep presents The Woman in Black. Pictured: Mark Hawkins. Photo by Mark Douet.

This production is true horror. Having no blood or gore, it relies on drama, mystery and suspense without blood and gore. Spine-chilling at times, there’s also just enough offbeat humor to keep the audience guessing.

Milwaukee Rep presents The Woman in Black. Pictured: Ben Porter and David Acton. Photo by McKittrick.

There are two films based on Hill’s novel, one starring Daniel Radcliffe. Having seen both, while they are solid horror films, they differ enough from the play to not be redundant. I actually prefer the play for its storytelling tightness and overall suspense.

Held in Stiemke Studio, The Woman in Black runs through March 23 as part of the 2024–25 season. Among future productions are Romeo and Juliet and Million Dollar Quartet, which closes the season in late May.

Before heading home, we enjoyed a meal at Oak Barrel Public House. We enjoyed bang bang chicken and mac and cheese, featuring a decadent blend of bechamel and cheddar cheese topped with shaved Parmesan. Of course, in Wisconsin, we had to try the cheese curds, and they were outstanding. It has a lively but not crazy atmosphere.

— John Wroblewski, online writer