Notice: This article is more than one year old and is part of the Henry Ford College news archive. Information in the article may be outdated. For the most current news and information about Henry Ford College, please visit hfcc.edu/news, or contact communications@hfcc.edu.
Release Date: 
Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Theatre Arts Presents Noёl Coward’s “Blithe Spirit”

Event Date: 
Thu, 03/30/2017 to Mon, 04/09/2018
Left to right: Kennedy Cooper as Ruth Condomine, Natasha Hawkins as Elvira, Durshara Kirby as Madame Arcati and Jesse Mattox as Charles Condomine

The Theatre Arts Dept. will present Noël Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” from March 30 through April 9. Performances take place in the Adray Auditorium and is directed by HFC Theatre Instructor Judith Fletcher.

  • Thursday, March 30, at 8 p.m.;
  • Friday, March 31, at 8 p.m.;
  • Saturday, April 1, at 8 p.m.;
  • Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m.;
  • Thursday, April 6, at 8 p.m.;
  • Friday, April 7, at 8 p.m.;
  • Saturday, April 8, at 8 p.m.; and
  • Sunday, April 9, at 2 p.m.

    • Directed by HFC Adjunct Theater Instructor Judith Fletcher, “Blithe Spirit” is a supernatural comedy written by renowned British playwright Coward (1899-1973). The play debuted in London’s West End in 1941, setting a long-running record for non-musical British plays with just under 2,000 performances. Later that year, it ran for 657 performances on Broadway.

    Coward adapted the play into a 1945 movie of the same name, starring Oscar-winning actor Rex Harrison (best known for the 1964 classic “My Fair Lady”) in the lead role. In 1964, Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray adapted “Blithe Spirit” into a musical called “High Spirits,” which opened on Broadway. Coward directed the original run.

    In “Blithe Spirit,” novelist/socialite Charles Condomine needs background material for a mystery he’s writing, so he invites Madame Arcati, a psychic medium, to his house to conduct a séance. Also present are his second wife Ruth and their friends the Bradmans. All present laugh at Arcati’s antics, thinking she’s nothing but a cheap fraud.

    However, Arcati somehow manages to summon the spirit of Elvira, Charles’ first wife who died several years ago. Only Charles can perceive her. At first, Ruth doesn’t believe him, which causes a strain in their marriage. However, after he convinces Ruth that Elvira’s haunting him, she tries to exorcise Elvira with Arcati’s help, only with comedic results.

    “‘Blithe Spirit’ is a perennial favorite of audiences around the globe with its witty humor and razor-sharp dialogue. Our ensemble cast of students are hard at work on the rhythms and intricacies of this classic British farce and look forward to bringing it to life on the HFC stage for the enjoyment of our audiences,” said Fletcher.

    Tickets for “Blithe Spirit” cost $15. To purchase tickets, go to http://theatre.hfcc.edu. For questions or further information about “Blithe Spirit,” contact Dr. George Popovich, HFC Theatre Arts director, at 313-845-6478 or popovich@hfcc.edu.

    Cast and Crew

    Cast of Characters Edith: Iesha Walker Ruth Condomine: Kennedy Cooper Charles Condomine: Jesse Mattox Dr. Bradman: Thomas Peck Mrs. Bradman: Bria Jones, Christa Smith Madame Arcati: Durshara Kirby Elvira Condomine: Natasha Hawkins

    Act and Scene Breakdown Time 1940 Location: an English Country Manor

    Act One Scene 1: An early summer evening before dinner Scene 2: After Dinner Scene 3: The next morning

    Act Two Scene 1: The Next Afternoon Scene 2: Late the following Afternoon Scene 3: Evening, a few days later Scene 4: Several Hours later *Please note: there will be a 15 minute intermission

    Social Science, Arts and Fitness Division Associate Dean: Cynthia Stiller Academic Coordinators: Carole Sloan, Randall Knight Administrative Assistants: Tom Berryman, Linda Prisza Director of Theatre: Dr. George Popovich

    Artistic Staff Director: Judith Fletcher Scenic Designer: Judith Fletcher, Gerard Dzublisnki Lighting/Sound Designer: David Koltunchik Costume Designer: Judith Fletcher Makeup Designer: Judith Fletcher Properties Designers: Judith Fletcher, Gerard Dzublinski

    Production Staff Stage Manager: Steven Ruth Technical Director: Gerard Dzublinski Lead Carpenter: Christopher Bremer Carpenters: Gerard Dzublinski, David Koltunchik, Janae Garner, Darius Ballard, William Underwood, Alexis Simmons, Javon McCall, Angie Lai Scenic Artisits: Judith Fletcher, Jill Trask Scenic Painters: Gerard Dzublinski, Angie Lai, Janae Garner, Darius Ballard, William Underwood, Alexis Simmons, Javon McCall, Christopher Bremer Master Electrician: David Koltunchik Electricians: David Koltunchik, Janae Garner Props: Sandra Glover, Avise Wilson Dialect Coaches: Angie Lai, Stephen Redwood Costume Construction: Judith Fletcher

    Running Crew Special Effects Crew: Cast, Dewanna Sykes Makeup Crew: Theatrical Makeup Class Costume Crew: Cast, Dewanna Sykes Light Board Operator: Steven Ruth Sound Board Operators: David Koltunchik, Christopher Bremer, Gerard Dzublinski Deck Captain: Thomas Peck Run Crew: Avise Wilson Poster and Program Design: Ashleigh McLeod Printing: HFC Graphics Publicity: Dr. George Popovich, Gary Erwin, Michael Cochran, Judith Fletcher and The Company Lobby Display: Angie Lai

    Box Office House Managers: Christopher Bremer, Angie Lai, Gerard Dzublinski Box Office Manager: Christopher Bremer, Gerard Dzublinski Electronic Box Office: Dr. George Popovich Ushers: HFC Theatre Volunteers