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by L. Lorraine Payette, written June 23, 2016
(Gananoque, ON)
Poor Charles (Stephen Gartner). Writers have troubles at the best of times, and getting good research is only one of many. He was sure he had it all worked out – he would hold a simple séance at his home with local clairvoyant and medium, Madame Arcati (Anita Wittenberg), and not only would he, his wife Ruth (Krista Colosimo) and his friends, Doctor Bradman (Christopher Weddell) and Mrs. Bradman (Janet Michael), participate in some good clean fun, but there should be more than enough material. His maid, Edith (Kelsey Gilker) would handle dinner and arrangements, and things would be perfect. And so they were, until his deceased wife Elvira (Shannon Currie) decided to liven up the evening with a few antics of her own…
Welcome to Noël Coward’s “Blithe Spirit”, a spooky little comedy bent on keeping the eternal triangle exactly that – eternal.
“Noël Coward is famous for his scintillating dialogue, and Blithe Spirit doesn’t disappoint,” says artistic director Ashlie Corcoran of the show’s playwright. “This is my favourite play by Coward because of the element of the supernatural. It takes aim at both society’s interest in and mockery of the world of the occult. This play transcends satire and manages to both amuse and scare
audiences. The show provides exceptional roles for women, and I am excited by all the opportunities to create design and stage magic!”
Several of the cast will be familiar to Playhouse attendees. Returning are Krista Colosimo (Don’t Dress for Dinner, Boeing Boeing), Shannon Currie (Dear Johnny Deere, Waiting for the Parade), Janet Michael (Waiting for the Parade), and Anita Wittenberg (Waiting for the Parade, Boeing Boeing). Fresh faces come in with debut performances from Stephen Gartner, Kelsey Gilker, and Christopher Weddell.
One of the season’s three co-productions with Western Canada Theatre in Kamloops, the play promises to be a lot of fun while it brings that old black magic to life. Set and costume design is by Dana Osborne and beautifully recreates the ‘30s. Stage Manager Isabelle Ly provides special effects, which are full of ghostly fun. The entire support crew has worked to put together an experience that will leave you chuckling and amazed.
“Blithe Spirit” runs from June 17 – July 16, 2016, at the Springer Theatre, 185 South Street in Gananoque, Ontario. Running time for the play is 2 hours including intermission. Show times are Tuesday 7:30, Wednesday through Saturday 8:00 pm, with matinees on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm (starting the Sunday after opening night). Student matinee is May 26 at 11:00 a.m. and is presented by the TD Bank Group. Tickets are $32 for adults, $30 for seniors age 65+, <30 Club $20. HST is applicable to all ticket prices. For more information, please go to www.1000islandsplayhouse.com or contact the box office at 613-382-7020.
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