Review: 'Hang' Leaves You in Suspense

In scenes like this, Green's dialogue is darkly humorous. Morris chillingly describes the process of lethal injection in graphic detail, including the names of the chemicals used to put someone to death.

"How long does it take?," Daly asks Morris, a touch of urgency in her voice.

There is also a letter, written by the man who is going to be executed. The contents of the letter are never revealed. Melozzi refuses to read it to Daly. Is it a letter of contrition? Or something sinister?

The interrogation room is suitably minimal, with two-way glass, a table, some chairs, and a water dispenser. It's a grim and unfeeling environment, courtesy of Burbage Theater Company's veteran set designer Trevor Elliott.

Although "Hang" has moments of tremendous power, the script remains maddeningly vague about certain details. From what Daly tells us, something truly traumatic did occur. Her family, her life, and her sense of personal safety, were decimated. This is potent material for drama.

What I found frustrating, however, is the fact that we never find out what happened to the woman. Was she sexually assaulted? Were her children sexually assaulted? It seems like a cheat to engage us in this woman's plight for 80 minutes without giving us at least a hint of what happened.

Still, the production has the strength of three strong performances behind it. The final moment features the sound of a heart beating and a ticking clock: The victim may be getting justice, but will she ever be free of the memories?

Hang runs through February 16 at Burbage Theatre Company, 59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket, RI. Run time is 80 minutes, no intermission. For tickets, call 401-484-0355 or visit burbagetheatre.org.