Blithe Spirit, written by Noel Coward, opens at Main Street Theater, 510 Main St., in Belton on Friday, September 17 and runs for three weeks through October 3.
When novelist Charles Condomine invites the eccentric medium, Madam Arcati, to conduct a séance to gather material for his new book, the scheme backfires when the ghost of his temperamental wife, Elvira, returns from the grave.
“It is a very funny play, in that the audience can see the ‘spirit’ who has crossed over and returned to her earthly home,” said Pam Powell, co-owner and Artistic Director for the Theater. “One cast member can see her, but the other cast members ‘cannot’…Charles ‘talks’ to the spirit, but of course everyone onstage thinks he’s lost his mind.”
The Blithe Spirit cast includes performances by Emily Larkey as Edith, Karen McLaughlin as Mrs. Condomine, Joe Armstrong as Charles Condomine, Ralph Thomas as Doctor Bradman, Melissa Nisly as Mrs. Bradman, Madame Arcati played Nikki Williams and Jessica Dolan as Elvira.
“Our {on stage} actors are from Belton and many came up through Belton High School,” said Powell. “We are amazed at the quality of acting they are producing! The two lead characters, Joe Armstrong and Karen Smith are holding down full-time jobs and dedicating hours to their craft during the 6 weeks we have been in production.”
The Theater is currently operating at 50% capacity with masks required indoors. Bring your proof of Covid vaccination card and enjoy free refreshments. Admission runs $17 for adults 18 and older and $15 for seniors, youth and college students.
“We put every penny back into keeping the building open to the public as a community theater,” said Powell. “We are proud of the community involvement, with a dedicated group of set builders, set designers, properties master, lighting designers, sound designers, and tech booth technology. The actors may get the standing ovation, but we all know everyone works hard to create great shows.”
Tickets are available at the door. For more information or to make reservations visit mainstreettheaterbelton.com or call 816-406-9422.