Ex-wives often have the reputation of being difficult, but I doubt many ex-husbands deal with mischievous types who come back from the dead. Such is the case with Plotline Theatre’s latest offering “Blithe Spirit.”
Noel Coward’s witty spoof features socialite and novelist Charles Condomine (Gregory Brown), who invites the eccentric medium/clairvoyant Madame Arcati (Melynda Kiring) to his house to conduct a séance as part of the research for his book.
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The séance backfires when Arcati accidentally brings back Charles’ deceased wife Elvira (Shiv Harris). Only Charles can see the mischievous spirit who goes out of her way to disrupt her former husband’s marriage to his new wife Ruth (Paige Whitney).
Plotline director Dianna Schepers allowed me to attend a rehearsal during tech week to watch the final tweaks as actors perfected their lines, and the busy stage crew mastered the many special effects needed for this three-act comedy. Schepers graciously took over directorial duties from Randy Anger when he needed to leave the production and has the show in good shape.
Set designer Diane McRice has outdone herself fashioning the Condomine’s upper-class abode. The well-appointed baby blue set features a “working” fireplace and lots of pictures, etc., that fall seemingly unaided. The fun special effects are enhanced by Todd Drummond’s lighting.
Clad in costume designer Jana McDowell’s late 1930s fashions, the cast has the essence of Coward’s ghostly comedy when I saw it with pacing and comedic timing being sharpened for opening night.
Kiring is already a hoot as Madame Arcati with Becky Doyle a riot as the hard-drinking doctor’s wife and Bill Dietz, as Dr. Bradman, the perfect straight man for his wife. Savannah Daniels is a wonder as the ditsy maid Edith with Brown and Whitney showing the necessary angst as the Condomines. Harris, however, seems to be having almost too much fun as the playful Elvira.
The show runs through Sept. 22 at the Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez.
Also in Martinez: Appearing at the Campbell Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. is Dirty Cello. If you’ve never heard them, you’re in for a treat. Performing all over the world, the group plays Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Bill Monroe and a lot more. I’ve heard them go from funky to romantic to sexy in a wild show that sometimes even includes a bit of classical music!
For tickets to both shows, go to campbelltheater.com.
Orinda: Malcolm Cowler’s adaptation of Irish author J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s classic novel “Carmilla” finishes out Orinda Starlight Village Players’ 2024 season.
Taking place at Orinda Community Park’s amphitheater, the production follows Laura (Wolfie Lewandowski) who lives alone with her father in a remote mansion. When a carriage accident brings the stranger Carmilla (Catherine Chan) to her doorstep, Laura’s life changes forever.
The 1872 Gothic novella is considered the first true vampire novel ever written and may have inspired Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” It also contains a lesbian romance decades ahead of its time.
Starlight’s production features a fully projected set with just a few set pieces so evening performances are the way to go. The show runs Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m. through Sept. 28 — with a Sunday performance Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. and a Thursday show Sept. 26 at 8 p.m.
For more information, call 925-528-9225. Tickets are available through eventbrite.com/e/j-sheridan-le-fanus-carmilla-tickets-932928292637?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Concord: Solo Opera presents a pop-up performance during Creative Concord. Scheduled for Oct. 6 at 2:15 p.m., the 30-minute concert takes place in Concord’s Salvio Pacheco Square across from Todos Santos Plaza and features soprano Diane Squires, mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm and pianist Chun Mei Wilson. The trio will perform some of opera’s greatest hits including the flower duet from “Lakmé” and a selection from the Mexican folktale “Lucinda.”
For more information, go to soloopera.org.
Piedmont: Festival Opera presents a recital series of individual artists in the salon setting of the Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave.
Mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich and pianist Jeffrey LaDeur present “Lucky in Love,” celebrating the centennial anniversary of French composer Gabriel Fauré (Sept. 22), with contralto Sara Couden and pianist Derek Tam performing the works of Schubert, Strauss, Wieck, Weill and more Oct. 27.
For a complete listing of artists, go to festivalopera.org.
Berkeley: “Are you Dressed for the Apocalypse?” is the question posed by comedian Alicia Dattner in her solo show at The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way. Running Sept. 21-29, the all-star comedian presents a uniquely quirky comedy experience as she dives into climate change, Instagram influencers, mustachioed men of Valencia and more.
For tickets to Dattner’s show, go to themarsh.org.
El Cerrito: There is still time to catch Contra Costa Civic Theatre’s “Hamlet” and “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” in repertoire. Performances continue through Sept. 22 at 951 Pomona Ave.
Call 510-524-9012 or go to ccct.org.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.