Theatrical Review: Blithe Spirit

BLITHE SPIRIT
Written by: Noel Coward
Directed by: Jan Julia*
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Worthington Players* production of “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward. Written in 1941, the play is what is considered a “Comedy of Manners” evolving around the result of a séance taking place at the home of Charles Condomine (portrayed by Robin A. Kessler*) and his current wife Ruth (portrayed by Taylor Whidden). The spirit world is contacted and Charles’ previous wife Elvira (portrayed by Sarah Perlin) returns from the dead (or, as she and her friends in the after life would prefer to be know as “Passed Over”) and begins a series of mischievous deeds designed to disrupt the marriage of her former husband.

The play is typical of the works written early in the 20th century as it began slowly introducing the somewhat submissive Charles and his somewhat overbearing wife Ruth as the main characters of the production. A drop of comedy is introduced early by the appearance of the somewhat clumsy maid Edith (portrayed by Emily Duda). The Condomines are soon joined by the supporting characters the skeptical Dr. Bradman (portrayed by Bob Otto) and his more believing wife Mrs. Badman (portrayed by Michelle Kane) The pace begins to quicken when Madame Acarti (portrayed by Chrystyna Zenovia) enters the stage to conduct the séance which propels the plot. Her comedic antics gives the audience enough of a foretaste of the humorous experience they’re about to encounter without giving the full sensations of it away. Instead, she serves as a happy medium toward the appearance of Elvira who leads the audience to a hilarious adventure as it awaits to see what mischievous antics this free spirit will concoct of next.

This production of “Blithe Spirit” kept true to the period’s theatrical formula and spirit of which Noel Coward intended. It is a great accomplishment for a director and his/her cast to maintain the intent of the playwright while keeping it fresh for their audience. The overall acting of the entire cast and the direction of Jan Julia* was beyond superb as play could have easily lost it’s comedic abilities while being presented on a modern stage. Although the play runs for three hours, it’s humorous effects of this production on the audience soon brought down the house (and eventually the stage as well) creating a desire to see the whole play over again.

As impressive as the performance of the entire cast was, it should be noted Ms. Perlin’s portrayal of Elvira elevated not only the show but her electro-plasmic performance enhanced the audience’s appreciation of her cast mates’ talents. It was a delight to catch a glimpse of her facial features as she utilized them to comment on her character’s situation and those involved in it. Ms. Perlin’s performance more than complimented the production, the considerable talents of her fellow cast members, the impressive skills of the director, and Noel Coward himself.

The Worthington Players* production of “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward was well Directed by Jan Julia* and Stage Managed by Katie McMahon* as assisted by Brent Schloosshaur. Don Slepin* provided the music and Foley Effects while Kevin Dwyer* served the production as The Lighting and Sound Designer. Missy Benefield* served as the production’s seamstress. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse* is Midge McClosky* while the producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood. Group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* while The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. The Box office staff includes Kasey Mesko, Becky Haskell, and Barbara Ross.

This production of “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward will continue its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until November 9th and is recommended for those who would enjoy a night of classic comedy brought to life by a spirit exhuming abundant laughter. The next Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presentations will be The Pennsylvania Lyric opera Company’s production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” (sung in English) on Sunday November 9th, “Christmas at the Stage Door Canteen” presented November 21st through December 21st, and The Children’s theatre production of “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Carol” to be performed November 29th until December 20th. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.