It all started with Shelley's poem, "To a Skylark." That's where Noel Coward found the title for his 1941 hit, Blithe Spirit. The play caused quite a stir when it opened in the West End district of London with World War II in full swing, because of the light-hearted theme of death.
Successful British novelist Charles Condomine (Kenneth Gray) and his second wife, Ruth (Jennifer Lee Vernon), have invited Doctor and Mrs. Bradman, (Charlene Buhlert and Patrick Hubbard) over for a seance conducted by Madame Arcati (Katherine Charles). One might call it just a bit of evening's amusement, like going to the theater without the bloody drive. What ensues, however, is not the expected. Madame Arcati brings by the first Mrs. Condomine, Elvira (deja bleu Ginsberg), and the farcical plot begins.
Director Randall Hickman has created a delightful version of Blithe Spirit. Vernon gives Ruth a nice edge, a bit snobby, a bit controlling, and definitely upset with Elvira's return. Ginsberg plays the young Elvira with a combination of petulance, coquettishness and determination. Then there is the strange maid Edith (Katie Gonzales) who rushes about everywhere until Ruth forces her to slow down. This turns into an exaggerated, slow-motion long stride that brings the house down. Gonzales doubles as the tech, requiring her to be at two places only seconds apart.
Blithe Spirit is guaranteed to elicit laughs from audiences. Each character is well defined within the strictures of farce. Buhlert and Hubbard, whom we see too little of, add a pleasant balance to the others' antics. Charles brings great comedic touches to Madam Arcati.
I hope you have an opportunity to shake your cares away for an evening with Blithe Spirit.
