Jeffrey Hatcher's stage work, adapted from the original 1898 story by Henry James, follows "a young, naïve governess [who] journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children. The story she tells – which was 'written in a diary in faded ink' – is a story of terror and horror. The details of the diary – a letter, a locket, a riddle and a name – weave a chilling story that reveals unexplained mysteries about the house’s extraordinary past," according to press notes.

The two-hander stars Charlotte Parry as The Governess and Tom Beckett playing The Man and other roles. Parry's Broadway credits include the Dickensian drama Coram Boy and The Real Thing. Beckett returns to the Westport stage, having appeared in Broadway's Epic Proportions and The Father.

"The Turn of the Screw is pure theatre," said Tazewell Thompson, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director, in a statement. "Pure theatre that starts from a gem of a story, given new life and new meaning on the stage, by brilliant actors. You won't always be certain what you're seeing, but you won't dare look away."

Loy Arcenas not only directs the Westport production, but designs the set as well. Previously, Arcenas directed and designed the Westport production of Old Wicked Songs and designed Trumbo.

The creative team also features Candace Donnelly (costume design), Robert Wierzel (lighting design) and Fabian Obispo (sound design and musical composition). The Turn of the Screw will play the Westport Country Playhouse through Oct. 27. Tickets are available by calling (203) 227-4177 or by visiting www.westportplayhouse.org.

The Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, in Westport, CT.