Review: Garland Civic Theatre's BLITHE SPIRIT is sensational and so much fun!

Blithe Spirit 

By Noel Coward

Directed by Carol M. Rice

Produced by Garland Civic Theatre

Audience Rating: PG

Running Time: 3 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available in very back

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Sound Level: Comfortable Volume

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Depiction of ghosts, seances, high-pitched screaming

Reviewed by Natalie Shaw

Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit is certainly one that is high spirited, in every sense of the word--a dead wife's ghostly return, free flowing alcoholic beverages, and vivacious characters who could do for a bit more sensibility. Successful mystery author, Charles Condomine (Bradford Reilly,) in an effort to research and prepare for his next best seller, has summoned a medium, Madam Arcati (Sara Jones.) Furthermore, he goes to even greater lengths by inviting his friends to join him and his wife, Ruth (Janae Hatchett,) as a means to draw inspiration from them and their experiences with Madam Arcati, as well. These acquaintances, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman (Chuck Barlow and Katie Otten, respectively) are happy to oblige him. Upon Madam Arcati's entrance, the couples are directed to the table, where the séance begins. Unbeknownst to Charles, the spirit of his first wife, Elvira (Reagan Wren) is not quite done with him yet, and seizes this opportunity to make her ghostly entrance. And, she is, oh so very happy to be back! (*cue wicked laughter, here.) Wren gives us a spiteful Elvira, as a woman scorned, but one who has come out to play. 

Reilly's Charles is pleasantly charming, while passively caring; seemingly stable, while easily irritated; intellectually stimulating, while truthfully blunt-- he is so many things wrapped into one and Reilly's approach is sharply executed. Hatchett's Ruth is sensibly compassionate and strongly determined, with a healthy dose of jealousy to stir the tumultuous storm among Charles, Elvira, and herself.  Jones' Madam Arcati is fantastically quirky and colorfully eccentric, and so much fun to watch! Barlow and Otten serve the story well with their approach to Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, offering the straight forward and well-mannered pair for this high comedy. Dimwitted Housemaid, Edith (Katie Purdin) is skittishly clumsy and nerve-wracked, running at frantic speeds to answer the door, sneaking tastes of the cocktails and appetizers meant for the guests and never quite knowing how to respond to certain orders, other than to give an awkward, "Yes'm," making us wonder--is the woman quite alright? Purdin gives us delightfully uncomfortable moments, top-full of physical comedy, making us both love her and pity her at the same time. 

Director Carol M. Rice has assembled a handsomely talented cast who've taken charge with an ambitious script. A colorful and elaborately painted set is accomplished by Set Designer Edgar Hernandez and period appropriate costumes are provided by Kerra Sims. 

Garland Civic Theatre's spooky, spunky comedy, Blithe Spirit is bewitchingly charming and so much fun! I was laughing until my cheeks hurt! Come see this amazing cast and enjoy a night of sensational comedy! Tickets available at https://www.garlandcivic.org/ 

Y'all Enjoy!

Natalie

Read the Extended Review of GCT's Blithe Spirit!

Bradford Reilly as Charles Condomine

Janae Hatchett as Ruth, Sara Jones as Madame Arcati

Katie Otten as Mrs. Bradman and Reagan Wren as Elvira