REVIEW: “Blithe Spirit’ needs more life
“Blithe Spirit,” the second offering of the Old Lyric Repertory Company this summer season, is billed as a comedy about death, odd as that may sound. And while that is true, it also could have used a bit more, well, life.
Delightful on the eyes, thanks to a warm set by Old Lyric Artistic Director Dennis Hassan, “Blithe Spirit” was written by Noel Coward and first staged during World War II. It was intended to lighten the spirits of the beleaguered Brits and did so for 1,997 consecutive performances.
Simply stated, “Blithe Spirit” is the story of a husband, recently remarried after his first wife died — oops, “passed over” is the more appreciated term in the spirit world, we learn in Act I — who has the ghost of his first wife visit him during a seance, causing all kinds of havoc.
Second wife Ruth (played by Colleen Baum) and husband Charles (Phillip R. Lowe) set the early stage, inviting guests Dr. Bradman (Nicholas Dunn) and his wife (Felicia Stehmeier) in for an evening of Ouija-like research, hoping medium Madame Arcati (Keri Hostetler Larsen) can show him some tricks of the trade for his next novel.
The first scenes are quite talkie, with dialogue and conversation coming across as just showy, precise and clipped rather than natural and emotive, which may have been intended. But as a result, Ruth and Charles never quite become characters the audience cares for, really, as the table is set early on for what is to come.
As Act I progresses, so do these main characters, though, in their ability to reach the audience. Baum, as Ruth, is at her best when she’s angry over the circumstances befalling her, rather than when she is merely pomp.
Moments when Lowe shouts exasperatingly at his first wife’s ghost — unseen to the second wife — cause predictable confusion between the couple, giving the first act its few giggles.
The arrival of Madame Arcati and the deceased Elvira (Amanda Mahoney) help the play immensely. Larsen does her best to pack the production along with an easy-to-hear, easy-to-understand, easy-to-enjoy seance director. Liable to go into a trance at a moment’s notice, the eccentric Madame takes over the stage when called upon.
Elvira’s entrance opening night was also appreciated. Grandly lighted and costumed, with movements that were more flowing than mere walking, Mahoney was the center of attention much of the evening. Even an inconsistent attempt at reverberation on her voice didn’t diminish her efforts.
While not disagreeable or unlikable in theme or acting by this Old Lyric company, “Blithe Spirit” will likely get lost in the list of comedies and farces seen each summer by regular patrons. There were very few memorable moments, really.
“Blithe Spirit” started with a medium and as it turned out, ended up being just that.
“Blithe Spirit” runs in repertory with “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” and will soon be joined by “The Mousetrap” and “Always … Patsy Cline.”
+++++++
“Blithe Spirit”
Running time 2 hours 20 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission
Directed by Lynda Linford
Caine Old Lyric Theatre, 28 West Center, Logan
Tickets: 435-797-8022 or http://boxoffice.usu.edu