Theatre Harrisburg offers spirited staging of Noel Coward's comedy, 'Blithe Spirit'

BY BARBARA TRAININ BLANK
FOR THE PATRIOT-NEWS

The battle between the sexes takes an unearthly turn in Noel Coward’s high-spirited comedy, "Blithe Spirit."

No, I’m not going to explain that. Go to Theatre Harrisburg at Whitaker Center and see for yourself.

Suffice it to say that protagonist Charles Condomine is caught between his beautiful and headstrong first wife and his less-beautiful but even-more-domineering second wife, while researching his next book.

Since the book’s subject is the occult, he enlists the unwitting aid of a neighborhood medium, assumed to be authentic only in her eccentricities.

Much to his dismay, Condomine discovers that sometimes getting what you want isn’t really what you want. Or was he really the one who wanted it?

Again, don’t expect an explanation. The less known about "Blithe Spirit" beforehand, the better.

For those who saw the film version with Rex Harrison, be assured: It’s different enough from the play that you’ll still be surprised.

At the same time, the play is longer and talkier. Its situations are funnier than the lines though there are some marvelous ones, such as Condo-mine’s declaration that, "we have no guarantees that the afterlife will be any less exasperating than this one."

Director Thomas G. Hostetter and a fine cast further energize the proceedings. And, like the Green’s Premium ice cream served before the show — courtesy of Theatre Harrisburg’s Guild — this is a play to be savored rather than analyzed.

Robin Dorff brings a deft comic touch to his portrayal of Charles, much put upon by the women in his life and yet never succumbing to the madness to which they’d like to drive him. He also plays up the character’s smugness, making the ending more believable.

Diane McCormick, who in an earlier production of the play at Little Theatre of Mechanics-burg played the maid, Edith, has "graduated" gracefully to the role of Elvira. She underscores, in a convincing mix, the playful mischief and malice of the character.

Patricia Osterhout has the right touch of priggishness for her nemesis, Ruth — demonstrating that love and possessiveness can be flip sides of the same coin.

There isn’t a dull moment when Constance Kuba Fisher is around. The actress is having the time of her life as the wacky Madame Arcati, prancing around the stage and making the most of the character’s dry humor.

In smaller roles, Jay Miffoluf is just right as the cynical man of science, Dr. Bradman.

Fran Rudman is a good foil as the wife who "talks too much, as usual."

Lisa Morrison gets laughs as the awkward Cockney maid — with unsuspected talents.

All the players are to be commended collectively for their realistic and consistent British accents.

Allen Brenner has designed a set both marvelously detailed as well as alive. Costumes, ethereal and otherwise, are tasteful ly designed by Paul Foltz. Allen N. Marshall’s lighting design enhances the special effects.