"Dark of the Moon" is no easy play to do, but last night's H.D.C. production was very good. Its legend with music of a witch-boy seeking love successfully ran from the comedy of a revival meeting ("One more chorus and the Lord'll have him") to the fantasy of witches and Conjur men, to the realism of childbirth and rape.

Key to the H.D.C.'s success was its acting. "Dark of the Moon" hangs on a cast that can find the nice balance between reality and legend; the H.D.C. has the cast. Donald Mork, as the witch-boy, pulled the play together with his intensity. Francis Hart was an effective preacher. Martha Orrick, John Miles, Ian Cadenhead and Janet Sobel skillfully held up important minor roles. Only June Northrop, as the witch boy's somewhat wooden love, let her part become stereotyped. She was the only weak person in a strong cast.

The H.D.C. had more trouble with the production end of the play; "Dark of the Moon" calls for the tricky effects and careful scenery which Sanders doean't permit. The H.D.C. tried to use lighting and some uningenious sets as a substitute; they were not up to the job. Last night's production also suffered from the usual opening night muffs and a first act that had trouble getting started. But "Dark of the Moon" is such a powerful play and, the H.D.C.'s actors did so well by it that it didn't much matter.