The Condomines' (Ruth and Charles) home in Blithe Spirit is luxurious even by 1940's Hollywood standards. Their living room has light sconces, a view of the garden, a lovely draped archway to the servants' areas, and elegant furnishings. Yet their tale is quite simple. The Condomines and guests, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman (James E. Steinberg and Renee Gandola), are entertained by Madame Arcati (Ashley Gardner). She, quite by chance, conjures up the former Mrs. Condomine, Elvira (Victoria Mature), who passed seven years prior. Ruth (Nicole Wolber) takes umbrage to this intrusion into her marriage. Complications build from this point.
As we are being seated, ordering a drink from the bar (love this theater) and conversing with our table mates, the maid Ruth (Amanda Everett) is busy straightening up the livingroom. As the lights dim on the audience and come up on the stage, she quite shyly addresses us with the pre-show blurb. Cute.
Director Shaner cast for both talent and type. As Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, Steinberg and Gandola are perfect contrasts. He looks reserved, always properly dressed, and she would embarrass any husband almost immediately. She sits most indiscreetly; mutterings from her mouth tend to be "oops, I said that" type of thing, and she misses every cue her husbands sends out. We love her.
Gardner's Madame Arcati, wildly costumed in many layers, necklaces, and enough rings that it's a wonder she can lift her hands, is a study in ineptitude. Her machinations to bring forth the long-dead include something that could almost be called a dance.
Writer Charles is steeped in grist for his next book. While she is sincere, her audience is laughing at her strange actions and incantations. Gardner has taken her way over the top, and it is delightful.
As with the doctor and his wife, Shaner and Wolber are opposites. She is tall and thin and contoured in elegant dresses, thanks to costumer Jennifer Kindsche, while he is more of the athletic type. Her character is tense to the point of being hyper. He is much more laid back, quickly accepting his former wife's ghostly presence.
Finally we come to Victoria Mature's Elvira, a true blithe spirit. Elvira was quite a bit younger than Charles. Her beauty makes one think of the contemporary term "trophy wife." It is apparent that Mature is enjoying her haunting experience. Her smile can melt a man's heart and ward off any female competition. She is an interesting contrast to Wolber. Both are lovely and charming and extremely different. Director Shaner chose well.
Blithe Spirit may be approaching 70, but she has aged well. Moving her from London to Hollywood caused some dialogue changes, though some colloquial British terms survive.
The show moves smoothly with logical blocking. One irritant, since the play takes place at dinner, after dinner, morning, afternoon, early evening, etc. is that the clock is only changed once. I know, I'm picky, but the bloody thing is center stage. Still, this is the best telling of Blithe Spirit in recent years. A fun evening visiting an old friend.
