Noel Coward plays are known for many things -- stylishness and grace, biting satire and humor as subtle as a dry martini. Those words also aptly describe the production of Coward's "Blithe Spirit" now playing at MiraCosta College.

Smartly and smoothly directed by Tracy Hill Williams, the production finesses the melodic rhythms of Coward's dialogue, is sprinkled graciously with lively physical comedy, has a strong and well-rehearsed cast and the physical production has the class and polish you'd expect from England's suave taste-master.

"Blithe Spirit" takes place in the living room of novelist Charles Condomine and his devoted second wife, Ruth. To gather information for Charles' upcoming novel about a psychotic psychic, the Condomines have invited their friends, the Bradmans, to join them for a seance conducted by the eccentric local medium, Madame Arcati.

But all goes awry when the spirit Madame Arcati conjures is the ghost of Charles' seductive young first wife, Elvira, who died from a heart attack seven years before. With the mischievous ghostess in the house, the Condomines' marriage hits the rocks and Elvira schemes to kill Charles so he can join her in the great beyond. But her plan has deadly consequences and Charles ends up with the last laugh.

Williams' small cast is superb, not only at crafting multidimensional characters but at perfecting their various accents (ranging from upper-class to low-born English and even a classic Bombay lilt, all thanks to dialect coach Gedaly Guberek). There's also a great attention to detail in the actors' physical performances, from Ruth's smothering efforts to constantly smooth Charles' hair and clothing; to Madame Arcati's hilariously inappropriate legs-akimbo sitting habits; and in the silent but crystal-clear exchanges between the apparently hard-drinking Dr. Bradman and his disapproving wife, Violet.

Adam Oliveras is casually elegant as Charles Condomine and Gerilyn Brault is natural and maternal as his doting wife, Ruth. Summer Spiro is a sexy sparkplug as the Jean Harlow-style Elvira, a character described in the script as "morally untidy" but "physically triumphant."

Rubbery limbed Jerry Alexander is a giddy physical clown as the Condomines' clumsy, hyperactive and tittering new maid, Edith. And Lee Kalua and Hayley Palmer speak volumes without words as the Bradmans.

But the show really belongs to Jessi Walters for her kooky, scene-stealing performance as Madame Arcati. When she's onstage, the energy lifts and the audience sits forward in their seats. Her peculiar, pie-eyed performance is layered with dozens of hilarious, idiosyncratic elements, from cartoonishly bad dance steps, to rabbit-like nibbling to her horse-like, lopping gait and the minute hums and "ahems" that follow virtually every line.

The physical production is just as fine as the casting and direction. Kelly Kissinger's special effects-laden set is classy and well-appointed, and Paul Canaletti Jr.'s lighting gives the ghostly scenes an eerie feel. Bryon Anderson designed the sound and Roslyn Lehman created the nice period costumes. Larry Jorgensen created the makeup, Bonny Durben created props and Sam Sherman serves as stage manager.

"Blithe Spirit" runs two hours, 30 minutes, with intermission. That may sound long, but Williams' production glides along easily and Walters pops in frequently to juice the show with her comic sensibilities. It's a delightful evening and fun for all ages.

"Blithe Spirit"

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-17; 2 p.m. Nov. 18

Where: MiraCosta College Theatre, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside

Tickets: $12, general; $10, seniors; $8, students

Info: (760) 795-6815