Starkville Set to Embrace Laughter with ‘Blithe Spirit’!
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Community Theatre (SCT) is kicking off its production of Blithe Spirit, a classic comedy by Noel Coward, that promises to have audiences rolling in the aisles. The show will light up the stage at the Playhouse on Main, with performances running Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Extra evening shows are also scheduled for November 19-22.
Meet the Director
The talented Paula Mabry, a retired dramatic arts teacher from Starkville High and current instructor at Mississippi State University, takes the helm as director of this timeless farce. Mabry’s passion for Blithe Spirit dates back to her college days. “I knew this was a play I wanted to direct one day,” she reminisced. It seems like the stars have finally aligned!
The Play’s Spine-Chilling Fun
Blithe Spirit tells the tale of the grumpy novelist Charles Condomine, who finds himself in quite a pickle after his first wife, Elvira, returns from the beyond. Following his remarriage to Ruth, things get truly tangled when an eccentric medium, Madame Arcati, accidentally summons Elvira’s ghost! Expect hilarious clashes and mayhem as the ghostly ex tries to wreak havoc on Charles’ new life!
Mabry explains the play’s origins, noting that Coward wrote it during the German blitz of London in World War II. “He wanted to bring some light-heartedness to war-torn England,” she says, and it’s clear he succeeded brilliantly! The expert cast members truly embody the spirit of 1941 England, weaving together a comedy filled with impeccable timing and exceptional dialogue.
Behind the Scenes: Rehearsal and Preparation
With various cast conflicts leading to a unique rehearsal process, Mabry and her crew concentrated heavily on dialect and comic timing. “There’s so much physical comedy, so it required careful choreography,” she mentioned. The cast has been hard at work honing a standard British (or Cockney) accent while balancing the style differences between British and modern American English.
“Memorization takes hours,” Mabry noted, “and while the audience only sees the end result, it’s been two months of hard work behind the scenes.” The crew, made up of cast members who juggle day jobs and school, come together after long days to make magic happen on stage!
Connections to the Audience
The cast is eager to connect with the audience, emphasizing the show’s universal appeal. “This play is for anyone who needs to disconnect for a bit and just have a good laugh,” says Louie Gallo, who plays Charles Condomine. Meanwhile, Kathi Hester, as Edith, adds that the show is packed with “action and laughs,” promising plenty of spirited moments.
The Cast and Crew
Joining Gallo and Hester in the cast are Chakira Clark as Ruth Condomine, Paul Ruff as Doctor Bradman, Marsha Williams as Mrs. Bradman, Madeline Golden as Madame Arcati, and Cindy Ruff as Elvira. Mabry is supported by a talented production crew that includes Brittany Page as assistant director/stage manager and Wayne Durst as master set builder, among others.
Blithe Spirit isn’t just a show; it’s an experience filled with laughter and entertainment that will uplift your spirits!
