Ghost Whisperer James Van Praagh Coming to Ridgefield Playhouse, 4/9

The awe-inspiring James Van Praagh bridges the gap between two planes of existence, that of the living and that of the dead, by providing evidential proof of life after death via detailed messages. His very natural easy-going style is more like chatting with friends than communicating messages from the grave, which he will do when he returns to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Wednesday, April 9, at 8 p.m. James will select people from the audience to participate in the calling of spirits. Tickets should be purchased early for this one-night-only event, which has always sold out the Playhouse. Van Praagh's popularity began in the early '90s, on the NBC morning talk show The Other Side. He is a best- selling author of books such as Talking to Heaven, Reaching To Heaven, Healing Grief. Heaven and Earth - Making the Psychic Connection and Looking Beyond: A Teen's Guide to the Spiritual World. His newest publication, Ghosts Among Us, was released to critical acclaim in May 2008 and quickly landed on the New York Times Bestseller List and was #1 on Amazon.com Bestseller list. James will be doing a book signing in the lobby after the performance. Books will be available that evening or may be purchased at Books on the Common (404 Main Street, Ridgefield). This event is underwritten by Green Rocks Inn and partially underwritten by Turning Point Reiki and Touch of Sedona, and is part of the Hamlet Hub A Whole New You Series with media sponsor i95.1fm The Home of Rock 'n' Roll. Bernard's (22 West Lane, Ridgefield) is offering a special $45 prix-fixe menu, or a free glass of wine with dinner, before this event, when tickets are presented; reservations suggested beginning at 5 p.m.

"I'm clairsentient, which simply means clear feeling. I feel the emotions and personalities of the deceased. I am also clairvoyant", explains Van Praagh. "The first is feeling, the second is seeing, very much like Whoopi Goldberg in the movie, Ghost". James is an expert on the subject of life after death as he has been in touch with his unique feelings most of his adult life. The Los Angeles Times television critic Howard Rosenberg dubbed Van Praagh "spectacular".

Van Praagh's message of hope has touched many people from his television appearances on Oprah, Larry King Live, 20/20, 48 Hours and Biography. For five seasons, Van Praagh was the co-executive producer of CBS's #1 drama Ghost Whisper starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. He also contributes to Entertainment Magazine's Entertainment Tonight and The Insider. James Van Praagh has created meditation intuitive programming and continues to teach mediumship development classes.

For tickets ($75; $90 Gold Circle Meet & Greet available by calling the box office at (203) 438-5795), or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.