There’s a reason Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit has come back to haunt us so many times since its debut in London’s West End in 1941. The urbane farce provides ample opportunities for fun as novelist and socialite, Charles Condomine (Greg Pratt) invites Madame Arcati (Erin Hoffman) to conduct a seance as research for his novel about a homicidal medium. Charles’ wife, Ruth (Lynn Culp) plus Dr. and Mrs. Bradman (John Liskey and an excited, curious Jackie Payne) are skeptical witnesses. Arcati manages to conjure up Charles’ ex-wife, Elvira (Sarah Hauck) and the sophisticated cat fight begins. Chanae Houska as Edith the speed-challenged maid, flies under the radar.
Erin brought infectious enthusiasm to Madame Arcati, energizing every scene she was in. Steely Ruth and flighty Elvira soon had us sympathizing with poor Charles’ efforts to placate and coordinate his plotting harem. We welcome Lynn Culp, making her Riverwalk debut after a very long absence from the stage; kudos to her for pulling off such a demanding role as Ruth. Greg, as well, is to be applauded for tackling the line-packed role of Charles, wavering from aplomb to exasperation. Though we have seen him in smaller roles, this one ups his game.
Director Sue Chmurynsky has assembled this classic, with major artistic help from Assistant Director/Stage Manager/Hair & Makeup/Scenographer (lovely carpet painting) Eric Chatfield, who also helped design the elegant set. I’m told that the lighting technician was ill on opening night and the all-purpose Tom Ferris stepped in to operate Ted Daniel’s otherworldly lighting plot.
Blithe Spirit continues through November 2 - 7pm Bargain Thursdays ($10/$8) and 8pm Fri/Sat and 2pm Sun ($15/$12)www.riverwalktheatre.com482-5700
Erin brought infectious enthusiasm to Madame Arcati, energizing every scene she was in. Steely Ruth and flighty Elvira soon had us sympathizing with poor Charles’ efforts to placate and coordinate his plotting harem. We welcome Lynn Culp, making her Riverwalk debut after a very long absence from the stage; kudos to her for pulling off such a demanding role as Ruth. Greg, as well, is to be applauded for tackling the line-packed role of Charles, wavering from aplomb to exasperation. Though we have seen him in smaller roles, this one ups his game.
Director Sue Chmurynsky has assembled this classic, with major artistic help from Assistant Director/Stage Manager/Hair & Makeup/Scenographer (lovely carpet painting) Eric Chatfield, who also helped design the elegant set. I’m told that the lighting technician was ill on opening night and the all-purpose Tom Ferris stepped in to operate Ted Daniel’s otherworldly lighting plot.
Blithe Spirit continues through November 2 - 7pm Bargain Thursdays ($10/$8) and 8pm Fri/Sat and 2pm Sun ($15/$12)www.riverwalktheatre.com482-5700
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