Theater Review of 'Blithe Spirit' by Cheshire Town Players by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Cheshire Town Players are presenting their inaugural production this weekend. The players have chosen Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” as their The remaining performances will be presented in the beautiful space of The Reading Room located in the Watch Factory in Cheshire.

“Blithe Spirit” is what I would call an old-fashioned play. It was a smash comedy hit in London and New York and is a much revived classic from the playwright that wrote “Private Lives.”

The printed program (designed by Golden Year’s director Bob Tansley) includes a summary of the play. It is the story of the novelist Charles Condomine who is haunted by the ghost of his late first wife Elvira. The ghost is called up by a visit by the eccentric medium Madam Arcati. Personalities clash and Charles’ current wife Ruth is accidentally killed, allowing the two spirits to haunt the overwhelmed Charles into perpetuity.

The Cheshire Town Players cast is directed by Lynne Gannon, a retired high school English/Theater Arts teacher who established this new non-profit theater group in 2024. She writes “In one short year, through hard work and creativity of a small group of people, this theater group pushed its way into existence.” This is no small feat, and is a theatrical blessing for the area.

The director has led this talented cast in bringing this odd story to life with all the necessary details in place. She has the help of Courtney Cullinan, Ane Marie Cullinan and Golden Years veteran Lorraine Brondolini. Elizabeth Beale is the stage manager, assisted by Brandolini.

The action of the three acts of “Blithe Spirit” takes place in the living room of the Condomines over several days. Gannon calls it a “satirical play about a group of obnoxious people in early 20th century England (some of whom are dead)” and she thought the ghost story element fit this time of year. She calls Coward’s work witty and believes that audiences have loved it for 100 years “because the combination of sarcasm with silly physical humor is just so satisfying somehow.” This is an apt description of her vision.

The cast has clearly worked hard to perform this inaugural production. Ben Jesulaitis gives a rousing performance as Charles Condomine. The young actor, singer and playwright does well in the role of the haunted husband.

Emily Trudeau, who played Portia in “Merchant of Venice,” takes on the role of his second wife Ruth and rises to the challenge. She also wears some of the best costumes in the role.

Richard Kelpen of East Hampton plays the part of Dr. Bradman and Dawn Menta, who has performed with Golden Years Theatre, portrays Mrs. Violet Bradman.

Nicole Zolad, who has worked at the Arts at Angeloria’s, glides into the role of ghostly Elvira. Jenna Denomme has fun in the role of the maid Edith and Annora Trudeau appears briefly as Daphne, where she “gets what she loves best: Be creepy.”

Carol Jacqeline just about steals the show in the broad role of Madam Arcati, who arrives to the séance pedaling on her bicycle. This actress is perfectly cast in her role and should feel honored and not terrified to be following in the footsteps of Angela Lansbury, Dame Judi Dench and one of her idols: Jennifer Saunders.” I thoroughly enjoyed watching her performance, especially her trance in a stunning black number.

Gannon shares that the lovely Reading Room itself was part of the reason for choosing this play “as the set was practically here already.” Kristy Endriss is credited with the perfect set design. The costume design by Belinda Higgins-Sanders is delightful and perfect for the era. Hope Reinhard worked as set and costume design consultant. Tori Malangore is in charge of make-up.

Congratulations to this brand new theater company on an admirable first production. I look forward to seeing what they have planned for the future.

Expect some flashing lights in the performance. The Watch Factory is located at 134 Elm St. in Cheshire. Tickets are selling fast. Treat yourself (and some friends!) to a fun night while supporting Cheshire Town Players and this wonderful cast as they bring Cheshire community theater back from the dead! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/blithe-spirit