Blithe Spirit

By Noel Coward

Directed by Robert Anderson
October 24, 25, 26, and 27 and November 7, 8, 9, and 10, 1996
The Playhouse on Main

Featuring – James Avery, Jo Durst, Melanie Ann Glimer, Madeline Golden, Guy Hargrove, Haley Hawkins, and Marianne Ulmer

Set in England in 1930, the story revolves around novelist Charles Condomine and his second wife Ruth. His first wife died several years earlier, and during a séance whose sole purpose is to mock flighty medium Madame Arcati, the first Mrs. Condomine is summoned back from the great beyond.

Thing is, Elvira Condomine can only be seen and heard by Charles, who is driven to distraction by a dead wife who wants him back, and a living wife who thinks he's gone mad. Charles is able to convince Ruth of Elvira's presence, though, merely by having the unseen home-wrecker pick up a few items and move them around (“floating” objects have a way of persuading one to believe in ghosts).

Now Ruth's attitude changes. No longer thinking her husband crazy, she is instead jealous of the meddling Elvira, who was irresponsible and carefree in life and seems to be so in death, as well.

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