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TROY, N.Y. >> Troy Civic Theatre Company is opening its sixth season with a local production of Blithe Spirit, starting this Friday.
The theatre group is taking on Noël Coward’s classic farce, set in 1930s England.
In his country estate in Kent, cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine, (Jon South) is buried in research for his new book on the occult. To aid in his work, he enlists the assistance of a visiting “happy medium,” Madame Arcati, (Michael McDermott) who proceeds to hold a séance to further his studies. Unfortunately, the Madame’s powers work too well, and Charles quickly finds besieged by both his current wife, Ruth, ( Rita Machin) and the specter of his former wife, Elvira (Katie Hughes). Charles is forced to work with Madame Arcati and his housemaid, Edith, (Seana Munson) as he attempts to free his household from being haunted for eternity.
Presented by veteran director Barbara Davis, Troy Civic Theatre is thrilled to have the opportunity to put on this most beloved classic, by the same famed playwright of “Private Lives” and “Hay Fever.”
“I just always liked the play, I liked the idea of the two wives,” Davis said on why she chose this work.
Originally written and performed as an escapist work during the beginnings of World War II, Davis said, “It’s just a fun time.”
Davis and her cast have been working on Blithe Spirit since late February. “They’re a great group of actors. They really do work well together,’ she said. Some of them have shared a stage before, and many have worked with Davis in the past.
Troy resident Katie Hughes, who plays a ghost in the production, was one of Davis’ actresses when she was directing at Troy High School. “I like the creative freedom that she gives her actors,” Hughes said.
One actor who’s been using that creative freedom is Michael McDermott, who plays the matronly medium Madame Arcati. In his first time on stage in a Troy Civic Theater production, McDermott is playing a woman, something else he’s never done before. “It’s been one of my favorite characters ever,” McDermott said, calling it “a fun challenge.’
Lead actor Jon South, who plays the husband and novelist, also described his role as a challenge. “It’s a very challenging play,” said South who is in every scene of the word-filled three-act play, his first performance with Troy Civic Theater Company.
South’s on- stage wife Rita Machin has been working with the company since its first season. In the role, she’s a bit more straight-laced than usual. Machin’s favorite part of Blithe Spirit is the argument between her with her spouse.
Seane Munson, now in her third Troy Civic production, has the smallest but best role in the show, she said, as Edith the maid. “I absolutely love it.”
Blithe Spirit will be performed at 8 p.m. on May 5, 6, 12 and 13, with a special Sunday matinee show at 2 p.m. on May 7. All performances will be held in the Black Box Theater at the Arts Center of the Capitol Region, located at 265 River St. in downtown Troy.
Tickets, which cost $15 each, can be reserved online at tinyurl. com/ tctblithe or by phone at 518256-7780. Student, senior and group discounts are available.
For additional information, please contact Michael Ciaravella, managing artistic director, at info@ troycivic.org.