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The second play in Shoestring Theatre’s main-stage season this year is Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward. This British comedy tells the story of Charles Condomine (played by David Finkle), a witty novelist and socialite who hosts a seance at his home to do some research on the psychic community.
What Charles doesn’t bargain for is medium Madame Arcati (played by Jenny Sejansky), who conjures up his deceased wife Elvira (Paula Tedrow), although his current wife, Ruth (Andrea Finkle), cannot see or hear the ghost. Chaos ensues and hilarity happens on stage as the husband and two wives iron out their current and past squabbles.
Completing the rest of the cast are Ray Wood playing the skeptical Dr. Bradman, LaVerda Felton as Violet, the doctor’s wife, and Rachael Harrell as Edith, the faster-than-lightning maid.
Blithe Spirit has had a long-standing run of performances, first in 1941 under Noel Coward’s direction, and the most recent revival directed by Michael Blakemore starring Angela Lansbury as Madame Arcati.
“The casting is very important when directing Blithe Spirit,” said director Darlene J. Stewart. “The language of the play is difficult and needs actors who can make it seem natural and realistic. A good British accent helps as well.”
ast of Blithe Spirit, a very experienced and talented group, includes last year’s Shoestring Actor and Actress of the Year, David and Andrea Finkle, returning to the stage as a married couple.
The setting includes some fun and exciting “tricks of the trade” for the special-effects portion of the play, as well as some other ghostly happenings.
Shoestring Theatre is at 380 S. Goodwin St. in Lake Helen.
Blithe Spirit opens Thursday, Nov. 1, with shows running Nov. 2-4 and Nov. 8-11. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets cost $18 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, and $10 for students.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.shoestringtheatre.net or by calling the Shoestring box office at 386-228-3777. Group rates are available for 12 or more people. Please note that the show dates are one week earlier than the originally announced season.
