When it comes to stage productions at community theaters, you’re most likely going to see a musical full of catchy songs, fast-paced choreography and a small amount of dialogue.
But there are those rare occasions where one will be able to see a “straight play” — a production that is not a musical.
“Blithe Spirit” is one of those rarities taking the stage at Aurora Arts Theatre.
The comedy is split into three acts and focuses on a novelist who invites a clairvoyant to conduct a séance to help him come up with material for his next book. But the event backfires and he is soon haunted by the ghost of his first wife, who is constantly attempting to disrupt his new marriage.
When it comes to stage productions, I am more intrigued by musicals. I enjoy songs and dances and escaping to a entertaining world. With this straight play, I did tend to zone out.
I’m not sure if it was because I was tired or not, but I was just waiting for the hook to snag me. It did, eventually. When the clairvoyant — Madame Arcati, portrayed by Debby Ramirez — appeared, I started to chuckle.
The cast is composed of six actors and actresses. A swing cast of two of the original performers and four other thespians will take the stage on Sundays. This is due to the lengthy lines and dialogue the cast has to memorize.
And the play is very dialogue-heavy.
It made me think about films, specifically dramatic ones. I realize some people tend to zone out when it comes to that genre because it is so dialogue-heavy, but with the edits and scene changes, it’s harder to lose focus. As for a stage play that is dialogue-heavy with only one set — which is gorgeous — it’s a bit more difficult to hold focus.
Regardless, I ultimately laughed later on during the play when things started to get more silly and frantic.
As for the cast I witnessed, all six stood out on their own, whether it was with a comedic scream, a snarky comment, a humorous dance or a sultry complaint.
But Kalea Bennett, who portrays Ruth, really stuck out to me. Again, I was reminded of drama films when I saw her perform on stage. She portrayed a woman on the verge of losing her patience with her husband, and contemplating running out on her marriage, as she dealt with the literal ghost of his past.
As I mentioned, there are a lot of lines the cast needs to memorize. Due to that, there were moments where some performers stepped on others’ lines. Because I was viewing a dress rehearsal, I was sure that would be fixed by opening night.
Those who catch “Blithe Spirit” will leave with memories of spirits, a haunted past and a craving for cucumber sandwiches.
The play will run at Aurora Arts Theatre, located at 5635 Everhart Road, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays March 20 through April 26. Tickets can be purchased at auroraartstheatre.com.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: ‘Blithe Spirit’ play will make you think of your haunted past
Reporting by John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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