Boom! Magazine review
By Martha Keravuori and Chuck Galle
June 10, 2014
http://www.boomnc.com/boom-bits-reviews-books-movies-music-misc/a-sprightly-and-spirited-entertainment-wafts-across-the-stage-raleigh-little-theatre-presents-noel-cowards-blithe-spirit/
A Sprightly and Spirited Entertainment Wafts Across the Stage
It’s no wonder that Blithe Spirit is a classic of the 20th Century that retains its charm even into the world of the New Millennium. As with several of Coward’s other comedies it remains witty, clever, surprising, urbane, cultured, debonair and just plain good fun. Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT) brings it on with dash and verve.
Director Tony Lea has cast the show perfectly, with experienced and very capable artists. He keeps them at a quick pace, works the chemistry among them well, allowing each to find the many facets of their characters, which make them real and enchanting. A sense of ensemble permeates the performance.
John Allore, one of the Triangle’s finest actors, brings his high energy and his extraordinary talent to move from utterly sober to inanely frenetic in the blink of an eye to Charles, the beset-upon husband. His poise, his array of gesticulations and postures, his facile facial expressions, all contribute to an exciting and delightful portrayal. Page Purgar, also well known to area theatregoers, is second wife Ruth, whose jealousy and concern drives her character to near madness, giving us her softer more tender moments as well. Elvira is seductively played by Anne-Caitlin Donohue who creates a marvelously ethereal, almost elfin movement in which she glides about the stage, mischievously wreaking havoc wherever she can. One doesn’t know whether to be on her side or not. Edith, the household maid is delightfully brought to us by Izzy Burger, whose hilarious scurrying about and shy bewilderment at the strange affairs add laughter and amusement to an already lively situation. Madame Arcati, the Spiritualist, is played by Marilyn Gorman, who graces the stage at RLT for the first time in this show. She is positively convincing in the role, with an appropriate demeanor of omniscience and sincerity in her belief, and also shows a fine comic flair. John Paul Middlesworth and Kelly McConkey compellingly round out the cast as Dr. and Mrs. Bradman.
This set, admirably designed by Thomas Mauney, is exquisitely rendered as an upper class drawing room in 1941 Kent, England, replete with object d’arte and fine antiques. The crucial lighting of this production is effectively created by Elizabeth Grimes-Droessler, and Vicki Olson’s costumes are upscale and timely. Sound Designer Todd Houseknecht sets the moods with storms and table raps. RLT closes out this season with a great summer treat.
Blithe Spirit continues at Raleigh Little Theatre through June 22. RLT is located at 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh. For further information call 919.821.3111 or go to raleighlittletheatre.org.
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