ECHO Players will launch its new season in Qualicum Beach on Oct. 13 with the 1941 Noel Coward classic, Blithe Spirit.
Written and set during the Second World War, the play focuses on fictitious novelist Charles Condomine who, with his wife Ruth, hosts a séance led by eccentric medium Madame Arcati to research for his new novel, according to a news release by ECHO Players.
The scheme backfires when the ghost of Charles’ deceased first wife turns up with persistent plans to disrupt his second marriage.
“Fascinated by the paraphysical? Ever wondered what a séance would be like?” the release read. “Here’s the chance to satisfy your curiosity while enjoying light-hearted comedy entertainment.”
The play’s mayhem, madness and hilarity are precisely what Coward had in mind when he wrote it to lift the hearts of the war-weary during the 1940s.
“Laughter is good for the soul and just what we need following the dreary years of Covid,” read the release.
The play’s cast, directed by Linda Bezooyen, has been rehearsing since June.
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“Our cast can’t wait to bring this fun-filled show to life and enjoy the audience laughter and applause after all their hard work over the last several months,” said Linda Attley, producer.
Michael King plays beleaguered husband Charles Condomine. Wendy Alexander is his persistently annoying first wife, while Maggie Bugg plays the oblivious Mrs. Condomine who can’t see the apparition.
Supporting cast members include Judy Hipkin as Madame Arcati, Diane Korol and Paul Churchill as Dr. and Mrs. Bradman and Amanda Wagner as Edith.
“It’s laugh-out-loud live theatre the whole family will enjoy!” the release read.
Tickets are available online, by calling 250-752-3522 or at the theatre box office, which is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Blithe Spirit will run at the Village Theatre until Oct. 30.
Mandatory masking is no longer in effect at the Village Theatre, with patrons welcome to make their own personal decision, according to the release.
ECHO Players is grateful to its official media sponsor the Parksville Qualicum Beach News and to its official radio sponsor The Lounge 99.9 and 88.5 The Beach.
ECHO Players is a not-for-profit community theatre group which has presented live community theatre on the Village Theatre stage for almost 50 years.
— NEWS Staff, submitted