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Theater review: Play captures the 'Spirit' of comedy
American Stage
Geneva Rae, Lesley Staples and Wayne LeGette star in the American Stage production of Noel Coward’s classic farce "Blithe Spirit," running through Feb. 14.
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Published: January 27, 2010
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Playwright Noel Coward wielded words like a great swordsman slays an enemy. A perfect example of his rapier wit put to work is "Blithe Spirit." Written during World War II, the play was intended to offer comic relief from the death tolls clanging 'round the world. Its brilliance surpassed those humble expectations and went on to live a long and healthy life on stage.
"Blithe Spirit" is now playing at American Stage Theatre in St. Petersburg. Directed by Dan Lombardo, it's a masterful production of shining performances and deft comedic timing.
Coward whipped out a story in five days about a novelist who learns it is unwise to mock the occult. The play is set in the posh British home of Charles and Ruth Condomine (Wayne LeGette and Geneva Rae), tended by their maid, Edith (Millie Anne Shipe). To research his latest novel, Charles arranges for a medium (Madam Arcati played by Lesley Staples) to hold a séance at his house. He intends to take notes on the tricks of the trade.
The Condomines invite Dr. and Mrs. Bradman (Matt Lunsford and Becca McCoy) to join them in what they believe will be an evening of jocularity (everyone but Mrs. Bradman is a skeptic). But the spirits are out and about that night, and Madame Arcati is more skilled than the guests could ever suspect. She conjures the ghost of Charles' dead first wife, Elvira (Laura Hodos), whom no one but Charles can see and hear.
Ruth thinks her spouse has gone mad when he insists Elvira is standing by the fireplace, or sitting on the sofa. It only takes a few "floating" objects to convince Ruth that he's telling the truth and, later, enjoying the life of an "astral bigamist." Wife No. 2 begs Madame Arcati to return Wife No. 1 to her rightful place among the dead, but this proves to be a doubly hard task in the end.
Draped like a window in a Turkish palace, Staples was stupendous as the eccentric medium. She was a riot doing her voodoo, consistently mesmerizing from entrance to exit.
Staples, along with Hodos, LeGette and Rae, did actually conjure a spirit — that of a London theater in the 1940s. But costume designer Frank Chavez and set designer Scott Cooper completed the effect with their attention to detail and accuracy at depicting the world as it was 60 years ago.
This production is a must-see.
THEATER REVIEW
Blithe Spirit
WHEN: Through Feb. 14; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: American Stage Theatre Company at the Raymond James Theatre, 163 Third St. N., St. Petersburg; call (727) 823-7529 or visit www.americanstage.org
HOW MUCH: $26-$45, depending on date and time of performance
RUNNING TIME: about 120 minutes
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