Theatre Calgary stages Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit play

Theatre Calgary is presenting Noël Coward's classic play, Blithe Spirit. The show features Tyrell Crews as Charles Condomine, a novelist who invites a medium, Madame Arcati, to his home for a séance. The séance unexpectedly summons the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, who can only be seen by Charles. Blithe Spirit first premiered in London in 1941. Crews highlights the play's appeal as a blend of sharp dialogue and hilarious farcical moments. The comedic chaos unfolds as Elvira tries to disrupt Charles's marriage to his current wife, Ruth. Crews describes the humor as absurd, making it engaging for audiences. Crews believes it is important for the characters to have depth. He explains that audiences need to feel sympathetic towards them to connect with the story. Charles faces a personal journey as he navigates his feelings for both of his wives—one living and one ghostly. Throughout the play, he realizes he hasn't been entirely honest with himself about his relationships. Crews, who has worked with other great playwrights, appreciates the challenge of performing classical texts. He finds them rich and rewarding compared to more modern works. Tickets for Blithe Spirit start at $44 and can be purchased through Theatre Calgary's website.