Blithe Spirit A Ghostly Comedy Brought Effectively to Life at Theatre in the Round

Ever worried about your ex, or your partner’s, coming back into your life? Well, Blithe Spirit takes that concern and doubles down on it, making your own worries seem trivial.

Noel Coward’s classic comedy follows novelist Charles Condomine, who invites a quirky psychic named Madame Arcati over for a séance as research for his next book. What could go wrong? Well, she accidentally summons the ghost of his first wife. And only he can see her.

What follows is a delightfully chaotic battle between the living and the dead, as Charles’ current wife, Ruth, finds herself competing with a very present ex, Elvira, who refuses to move on. Witty, fast, even at two hours and 45 minutes, and deliciously ridiculous, Blithe Spirit is a supernatural farce where the afterlife has better comedic timing than most of the living.

As Charles Condomine, James Lane seems to have completed his transition from supporting player to lead. I’ve been seeing Lane in productions all over town for years now, and his two performances this year, a supporting role in Grumpy Old Men: The Musical and the lead here, are among his best. This is a big role, and Lane makes it look easy, with perfect timing not only in his line delivery but also in his reactions to the characters around him.

As the two wives, Megan Blakeley as Ruth and Dani Pazurek as Elvira take very different approaches to their roles. Blakeley has great timing in her appalled reactions to Charles’ comments, which are directed at Elvira but assumed to be meant for her. Her slide into haggard despair at the constant presence of the deceased wife is well modulated. she primarily reacts to the world around her. In contrast, Pazurek is effortlessly superior as the ghost, able to criticize her replacement without fear of retort, since Ruth cannot hear her. She plays the role as a character above everyone else, she makes her statements and lets others react, free from their worries. She’s dead; she can focus only on what she wants, without fear of consequences.

I have seen and greatly enjoyed the David Lean film adaptation from 1945, particularly the role of Madame Arcati, played by one of my favorite character actors of all time, Margaret Rutherford, who also originated the role in its West End premiere. Janice Stone plays the role here and very much makes it her own. She is spry and full of eccentric energy, and she pulls off the difficult task of making me forget Rutherford’s performance to become a highlight of the show.

The supporting cast is also very good. Dr. George Bradman and his wife Violet, who are part of the original séance, are played by David Rinzema and Lori Constable. Constable, in particular, adds a twinkle to her character reminiscent of the great character roles of the 1930s and ’40s. Hailey Zeissler plays Edith, the perpetually high-strung maid, with the perfect deer-in-the-headlights combination of panic and stunned indecision.

Dann Peterson directs the show with an assuredness that comes from having helmed 27 productions for TRP. The play is well suited for the in-the-round space, with Elvira constantly circling the stage, leading to moments where those who can’t see her are conversing with the empty space she just occupied. Thomas L. Valach adorns the space with a well designed set, complete with French windows from which Elvira can make her spectral entrance.

It’s a very fun play and a wonderful conclusion to another great season from Theatre in the Round. I look forward to their next, the 75th season, which is filled with great shows, all with a Minnesota connection. Read about next season here, season flex passes go on sale June 23rd!

Blithe Spirit runs through July 12th at Theatre in the Round. For more information and to purchase tickets go to https://www.theatreintheround.org/blithespirit/

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