Photo: Robert Erving Potter III
RECOMMENDED
Unfortunately, not all romantic ghost stories include erotic pottery and unchained melodies. In Noël Coward’s supernatural play “Blithe Spirit,” novelist Charles Condomine accidentally conjures the vengeful spirit of his first wife, Elvira (Kate McDermott). Charles (Kevin Bishop) is happily remarried to refined Ruth (Lauren Goode) until a research-based séance with renowned medium Madame Arcati (Joan McGrath) materializes the unexpected. Skeptics are turned into believers through witty banter and clever special effects.
When looking back at the canon of British playwright Noël Coward’s work, it’s easy to see the influence he would have on modern playwriting, particularly romantic comedy. In a genre so riddled with clichés and stereotypes, Coward’s work rises above for language alone and Piccolo Theatre’s production navigates it well. Fluidly moving through the intimate space in the Main Street Metra station, the cast seems comfortable with the often overly verbose script.
Something to consider when performing a play that relies so much on the element of surprise and suspension of disbelief is finding the balance between sincerity and over-acting. Under the direction of Christopher Marino, the grown-up cast knows when to go big and when to remain subtle. Bishop’s performance is occasionally flamboyant, but the charming cast of women enjoy playing off that. Goode’s graceful elegance keeps the antics composed to an appropriate drawing-room level of decorum. On the other hand, McGrath provides the perfect amount of general quirkiness to break up the monotony of upper class civility.
There’s a sexy quality to this piece that’s inherent to the script but certainly played up in this specific production; the lovely McDermott saunters in and out of scenes in a ravishing grey dress, usually accented in a reddish light. Her playful punchiness is a delight to watch. Sex is also frankly addressed in the dialogue, a somewhat necessary topic in a play about remarriage.
After enjoying a star-studded revival on Broadway a few seasons back, “Blithe Spirit” proves that Noël Coward’s work is still as fresh and enjoyable as it was at the time of its debut. Though the wordiness of the work can feel a little overwhelming, “Blithe Spirit” is a light-hearted farce with plenty of laughs. Done especially well by Piccolo Theatre, the special effects are modest but impressive, however, the real gem of this production is the articulate cast members, who approach this piece in a refreshingly literary way. (John J. Accrocco)
At Piccolo Theatre, 600 Main Street, Evanston, (847)424-0089. Through May 11.
Related Stories
Smells Like Lean Spirit: A Review of The Undeniable Sound of Right Now at Raven Theatre As corporate interests collude with self-interested politicians to rid our city of any remaining strains of legitimate regional music culture, Evanston-born playwright Laura Eason shows just how long these forces of change have been at work in this local premiere set at the peak of grunge in a fictional Chicago dive bar.
Unfading Spirit, Enduring Impact: A Preview of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Sixtieth Anniversary at the Auditorium Theatre The iconic company celebrates its sixtieth anniversary with three unique programs featuring classic works and world premieres.
Long In Title, Concise In Spirit: A Review of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Gynecologic Oncology Unit at Memorial Sloan… The four flawed characters’ messy stories ultimately win the audience over with their sincerity and the universality of familial strife, life’s shortcomings and love’s barriers.
Pioneer Spirit: A Review of Flyin’ West at American Blues Theater At American Blues Theater, Pearl Cleage's stunning historical melodrama remains an essential addendum to the history of American expansion.
Impressive Arrival: A Review of Yerma at Theatre Y and Red Tape Theatre This co-production with Red Tape Theatre marks a mature and invigorating new phase for Theatre Y.
A Long Time Coming: A Review of Caroline, Or Change at Firebrand Theatre & TimeLine Theatre Company Firebrand Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Company co-produce this stirring revival with book and lyrics by Tony Kushner and music by Jeanine Tesori.
