Blithe Spirit at the OLT. Less suave, less sophisticated than it might have been.

Blithe Spirit at the OLT. Less suave, less sophisticated than it might have been.

Photo: Maria Vartanova
Photo: Maria Vartanova

Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit weaves a serious thread into his ghostly comedy. In a less happy balance, the current Ottawa Little Theatre production is a mix of careful attention to detail and some unfortunate sloppiness and occasional missteps.

Blithe Spirit, in part the comic account of the unforeseen consequences of a séance undertaken for an insincere purpose, also depicts the two unsuccessful marriages of a heartless man to the flirtatious, ethereal Elvira (even before she was a ghost) and the pragmatic and socially proper Ruth.

 

The marital spats between socialite, novelist Charles Condomine and his two wives and the tug-of-war between the two women are among the strongest scenes in the script, while the colourful medium Madame Arcati is the most memorable character.

 

Director Jim McNabb has chosen to set the OLT production in the late 1930s (it was actually written and first performed in 1941, during the Second World War). This gives costume designer Peggy Laverty the opportunity to avoid the heavy shoulder padding associated with women’s dress in the war years. While the outfits are attractive, the several incidences of uneven hemlines are not. And, as costumed, the supposedly suave Charles Condomine does not look nearly elegant enough.

 

Other problem visuals are such items as a sloppily arranged tablecloth on what appears to be a makeshift table. It is a pity that the set dressing does not enhance Graham Price’s handsome set.

Another bothersome misstep is the insertion of a reference to illusionist David Copperfield (born in 1956), which necessitates the addition of a line of explanation from Elvira. Noel Coward — with his spectacular talent to amuse does not need ‘help’ with a well-written script. Closer attention to some other directing details would be more effective. For instance, the script notes that Charles cannot touch the ghostly Elvira. Why then, is Elvira allowed to cuddle up to Charles and touch him as much as she does? Surely, the caresses should be a whisper away? On another occasion, a part of the final surprise is lost when the housemaid, Edith, seems to see Elvira at the piano early on.

The good news about the production is Sarah Hearn’s fine performance as Madame Arcati and the charm of Heather Archibald’s impish Elvira. Dianna Renee York, as Ruth, delivers the required contrast to Elvira, but tends to overplay her unpleasant side in her characterization. As the victim of an extraordinary love triangle fighting to maintain order and decorum in her household, she deserves some sympathy.

As Charles, the man at the centre of the conflict, Ian Stauffer is content not to reflect the elegance and style of the playwright/actor. (Coward wrote the role of Charles for himself and performed in the original tour of the show.) A more sophisticated presentation could have greater punch.

The overall effect is that the opening show of OLT’s 103rd season is something of a disappointment. The production of Blithe Spirit continues to October 3.

Blithe Spirit

By Noel Coward

Ottawa Little Theatre

Director: Jim McNabb

Set: Graham Price

Lighting: Barry Sims

Sound: Bradford MacKinlay

Costumes: Peggy Laverty

Cast:

Edith…………………………………………………Becky Mardell

Ruth…………………………………………………..Dianna Renee York

Charles………………………………………………..Ian Stauffer

Dr. Bradman………………………………………….Tony Adams

Mrs. Bradman…………………………………………Sharron McGuirl

Madame Arcati……………………………………….Sarah Hearn

Elvira………………………………………………….Heather Archibald

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