If the scenic design alone marks the success of a play, Doug Davis is a winner many times over. As co-producer of Premiere Productions, Davis takes on the additional tasks involved with building a set that makes the audience feel as if they have walked right into the middle of, in this case, a British manor.
Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" comes alive on Davis' sets and with the directorial work of Randall Hickman.
The story revolves around novelist Charles Condomine and the research he engages in when writing about the spirit world. He invites psychic Madame Arcati to a small dinner party in hopes she will make contact with "the other side."
Needless to say, Madame succeeds and Charles is in for an extended visit from his deceased wife, Elvira. This does not go over well with his current wife, Ruth, with Elvira wreaking havoc in their happy home. Charles is the only one who can see Elvira, which adds to Ruth's dilemma.
Katherine Charles brilliantly reprises her role as Madame Arcati from Premiere Productions' previous venture with "Blithe Spirit" a few years ago. This is a role made for Charles; she's a natural comedian.
Kenneth Gray is perfect as Charles Condomine. He has perfect timing for the reactions to the "unseen" Elvira and her shenanigans. Gray calls up just the right amount of body language and facial expressions at just the right time.
Deja Bleu Ginsberg comes across as feeling pleasantly at home in the role of Elvira. Jennifer Lee Vernon is her counterpart as the current wife. Ruth is often talking to Elvira, without any idea of where she may be standing. This takes concentration from both actors so they won't stumble into each other.
Charlene Buhlert is ideal as the doctor's wife, with Patrick Hubbard breathing life into the role of the good doctor. Katie Gonzales couldn't be better as Edith, the maid.
"Blithe Spirit" is an excellent way to spend a few hours, forget about the daily grind and relax in the spooky atmosphere of the Condomine household. It's wonderful entertainment for the entire family.
"Blithe Spirit"
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; through Nov. 4
Where: Broadway Theater, 340B E. Broadway, Vista
Tickets: $16.50
Info: (760) 806-7905
