Date:
9/29/2004
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Scarlet Smith
PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University will present "Blithe Spirit" during
Homecoming activities. The curtain on the play by Sir Noel Coward will rise at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 7-9, in the University Theatre Center, Mainstage. Tickets are: $7 general admission, $6 senior citizens, $5 pre-college, and $4 ENMU students with current activities sticker.
The British playwright described his most popular play in 1941 as an "improbable farce in three acts" which only took six days to write.
Dr. Anne Beck, director and assistant professor of theatre, says, "This play has a wide appeal with sophisticated humor and wit."
"Blithe Spirit" takes place in the living room of successful novelist Charles Condomine, played by ENMU senior John Moore and his wife, Ruth, played by ENMU student Heather Maez.
The Condomines have invited their friends, Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, to join them in a séance led by the village medium, Madam Arcati, played by ENMU student Jennae Pinnell, whose methods Charles will study for his new novel, "The Unseen."
Ms. Pinnell says, "My character is an enthusiastic medium and an eccentric character. She believes in her profession and the quality of her work."
During the séance, Charles' first wife, Elvira, who died tragically young, materializes--seen and heard only by Charles. Chaos ensues until Madame Arcati, summoned again, makes Elvira disappear.
"Charles is a very witty character, sometimes irrelevant, but well spoken with much intelligence. The women in his life push him around, with the Madame as no exception, but he refuses to believe he is dominated by these women in his life," says Moore.
A delightful comedy of manners replete with Coward's wit, the play is suitable for a general audience.
For more information, call 505.562.2711.