SAINT CLAIR — A production of the classic play “Blithe Spirit” is coming to the Kelsey Theater next week, Nov. 14 to 16.
Originally staged in 1941, the much-revived comic play by Noël Coward will be remade in a riveting local rendition by the Actors Guild of Schuylkill County, featuring a host of talented performers.
Centering on a fussy, cantankerous novelist who finds himself haunted by the ghost of his late first wife, “Blithe Spirit” is a farce featuring Coward’s signature wit and “sparkling humor,” said Director Anthony Kurdilla III.
“I’ve wanted to do this show for a very long time,” Kurdilla said. “I think it’s one of the best comedies ever written. I think Noël Coward is probably the finest comedic playwright of the last 100 years.”
There will be three showtimes: 7 p.m. Nov. 14 and 15, and 2 p.m. Nov. 16. All tickets are $15 each and will be available at the door or online at agosc.org.
The story begins as Charles Condomine and his wife, Ruth, visit a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. However, the séance accidentally summons the ghost of Charles’ first wife, Elvira, who inserts herself into the couple’s lives.
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Brian Miller (Charles) rehearses a scene from “Blithe Spirit” alongside Lisa Hollenbach as Elvira and Brenda Moyer as Ruth at the Kelsey Theater in Saint Clair on Thursday. (Hyun Soo Lee/Staff Photo)
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Brian Miller (Charles) rehearses a scene from “Blithe Spirit” alongside Lisa Hollenbach as Elvira and Brenda Moyer as Ruth at the Kelsey Theater in Saint Clair on Thursday. (Hyun Soo Lee/Staff Photo)
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“Blithe Spirit” has been staged across the world, including in several revivals on Broadway.
The show debuted in 1941 in a war-ravaged London, providing a timely piece of escapist entertainment, Kurdilla said.
“Death was a huge, huge part of their lives,” he said, “and this witty comedy about ghosts, people coming back as ghosts, I think was perhaps a way to deal with the trauma that was going on.”
Brian Miller, a veteran local actor, portrays the lead role in the Actors Guild show. A fan of the Broadway production, he has enjoyed playing the complicated role of Charles.
“It’s a great show, but it’s a very tough one,” he said. “It’s one of the longest shows I’ve ever done. … It’s funny, intense at times.”
Brenda Moyer, as Ruth, left, and Tonia Vinansky, as Madame Arcati, perform a scene during a rehearsal of “Blithe Spirit” at the Kelsey Theater in Saint Clair on Thursday, Nov. 6. (Hyun Soo Lee/Staff Photo)
The other cast members are Brenda Moyer as Ruth, Lisa Hollenbach as Elvira, Tonia Vinansky as Madame Arcati, Kayla Ritchey as Violet, Scott Pothering as Dr. Bradman and Carrollynn Circelli as Edith.
Crew members include assistant director Ethan Androshick, stage manager Karen Liddick and set builder Bob Hartranft.
The Kelsey Theater is located at 229 N. Mill St., Saint Clair.
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