McKeesport Little Theater's 'Blithe Spirit' continues to entertain
Although set in 1942, “Blithe Spirit” is one of those classic plays that hold up well despite the passage of time.
This Noel Coward farce, currently playing at McKeesport Little Theater, takes place in England in the country home of Charles and Ruth Condomine, played by T.C. Brown and Ellen Small.
The pair make quite believable couple. He is a successful novelist doing research for his latest book while she manages to keep him and the household in order with the help of or — rather in spite of — their current maid Edith.
MLT regular Sara Fisher, who has graced the stage in adult productions as well as with the Second Stage Players youth troupe, returns as Edith. She doesn't say much, but her facial expressions and mannerisms tell quite a story on their own.
Ruth is Charles' second wife. His first wife, Elvira, delightfully portrayed by Maggie Mayer looking quite like a classic Hollywood actress of the time period, joins the performance in the form of an apparition, somehow conjured up by Dorothy Fallows as eccentric medium Madame Arcati.
Those who know Fallows as director of the Second Stage Players and in director and producer roles are in for a treat to see her act. Her colorful costumes, courtesy of Cindy McGovern, enhance her character even more. She swoons, goes into multiple trances, and is altogether a funny, likable character. Last Sunday's matinee audience especially reacted to Fallows.
Rounding out the cast are Sean Butler as Dr. George Bradman and Ellen Ulmer as his wife Violet Bradman, who are friends of the Condomines.
While their roles are relatively minor, Butler and Ulmer bring warmth to their performance. They arrive for dinner, knowing Madame Arcati has been invited to further Charles' research, but also to supply some form of entertainment, as they expect nothing to really happen.
When Charles begins hearing, and then seeing, his late wife, things escalate. The Bradmans are supportive at the outset and remain so throughout.
The witty exchanges and timing between Brown and Mayer are particularly precious, especially when he directs comments to her with Small caught in the middle, thinking he's talking to her.
Brown remains in proper character throughout. As the situation escalates and it appears Elvira might stay indefinitely, some family secrets and past relationships are revealed.
Small does a great job of responding to her husband, at first in disbelief by insisting he only thinks he hears and sees Elvira because he had too much to drink, then with increased annoyance when she comes to accept the other woman's presence.
The light-hearted play continues Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the theater at 412-673-1100 or here .
A surprise addition to the season was announced at intermission, and is included in the playbill.
The musical “Hats,” about women in The Red Hat Society, was announced for one weekend only, July 15-17.
