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Deceived At Old Globe: Shines New Light On Classic Thriller

August 20, 2025

"Deceived," a psychological thriller based on the classic film "Gaslight," has premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego with a modernized script by co-adapters Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson. Set in 1901 London, the play follows newlywed Bella, whose husband Jack manipulates her into doubting her sanity through gaslighting tactics like suggesting she misplaces objects and experiences delusions. Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg has created an intimate in-the-round staging with a talented diverse cast, featuring standout performances by Brittany Bellizeare as Bella and Travis Van Winkle as Jack, with comic relief provided by the housemaids portrayed by Maggie Carney and Kennedy Tolson.

Who is affected

  • Theatergoers and audiences at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego
  • Fans of psychological thrillers and the classic film "Gaslight"
  • People interested in contemporary retellings of stories with feminist perspectives
  • The cast members: Brittany Bellizeare, Travis Van Winkle, Maggie Carney, and Kennedy Tolson

What action is being taken

  • The Old Globe Theatre is presenting the West Coast premiere of "Deceived"
  • Director Delicia Turner Sonnenberg is staging the play in-the-round to create intimacy
  • The production is running performances through September 7
  • The cast is performing a contemporary adaptation that transforms a story of female passivity into one of empowerment

Why it matters

  • The play represents a modernized retelling of a classic story with updated feminist themes
  • It showcases how societal views on women's autonomy and independence have evolved
  • The production received enthusiastic audience response with "stomps and cheers at pivotal moments"
  • Co-adapter Johnna Wright's goal to demonstrate that "you can put a woman at the center of a story, and it's still a great story" appears to be succeeding based on audience reaction

What's next

  • "Deceived" will continue its run at the Old Globe Theatre through September 7
  • Tickets are available at www.theoldglobe.org

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint