STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek - BLITHE SPIRIT at Stratford Festival

MULTITUBE

A hilarious battle of wits plays out in one of Noël Coward's most celebrated comedies, Blithe Spirit. Directed by long-time Stratford Festival favourite Brian Bedford, the gorgeously designed production officially opens tonight, June 1, and runs until October 20 at the Avon Theatre. Watch two scenes from the production below!

Mr. Bedford, whose recent double triumph as director and star of The Importance of Being Earnest thrilled audiences first in Stratford and then on Broadway, returns for his 28th Festival season. Widely regarded as an authority on Coward's work, he has not only directed and acted inBlithe Spirit several times, he also knew the English playwright personally.

Set in an exquisite 1940s Georgian style English house, Blithe Spirit centres on Charles, an author who cheekily engages a medium, Madame Arcati, to conduct a séance as research for his latest novel. Things go decidedly not as planned when she inadvertently raises the ghost of his late wife, Elvira, much to the chagrin of his current wife, Ruth. As the only one who can see or hear Elvira, Charles must figure out how to entertain his ethereal house guest without stepping outside of matrimonial bounds. Trying to keep everyone happy, as it turns out, is a hilarious challenge.

The cast features Ben Carlson as Charles Condomine, Michelle Giroux as Elvira Condomine, Seana McKenna as Madame Arcati, Sara Topham as Ruth Condomine, James Blendick as Dr. Bradman, Susie Burnett as Edith and Wendy Thatcher as Mrs. Bradman.

The artistic team features Set Designer Simon Higlett, Costume Designer Katherine Lubienski, Lighting Designer Paul Miller, Sound Designer Jim Neil and Stunt Coordinator John Stead.

For tickets, contact the box office at 1.800.567.1600 or visit www.stratfordfestival.ca. The Stratford Festival's 2013 season runs until October 20, featuring Romeo and Juliet, Fiddler on the Roof; The Three Musketeers, The Merchant of Venice, Tommy, Blithe Spirit, Othello, Measure for Measure, Mary Stuart, Waiting for Godot, Taking Shakespeare and The Thrill, along with more than 150 events at The Forum.

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