Oak
Park Festival Theatre
Christine Stulik, Jack Hickey, Katherine Keberlein
photo by Michael Rothman
Blithe Spirit
by Noël Coward
March 28 thru April 27.
review by Ed Vincent
Noël Coward would be
pleased with Oak Park Festival'slatest show of his work, "Blithe Spirit". Rebecca Cox,
as Edith the awkward maid, is a treat with each entry into
the room. I noted an evolution in her locomotion, she began
by navigating her path like a newly born impala. While
the scenes moved on so too did her ambulatory progress
from the new born running mammal to stilt walking hominid.
A plot is a mixture of a motley crew of upper class persons
dabbling in the occult world of the less affluent modern day
mediums (in the time period of the play). Connie Anderko
as Madame Arcati is a fun filled blithe gal herself, from her
gypsy dress to her weird childhood. Madame Arcati noted
that she was but five and a half years old when she summoned
her first ectoplasmic revelation.
as Charles, Connie Anderko as Madame Arcati
photo by Michael Rothman
Madame Arcati makes it know to the those offering food
that she never has any red meat before a séance, it some
how interfered with the medium or the pathway to the
spirits. The bicycle riding Madame Arcati reminded me
greatly of some wildly expressive art student from college
bound for the unknown reaches of reality. A wonderful
portrayal...
Jack Hickey did a fabulous job of keeping all in order as
best he could. Jack did a fine task of enunciating each word
with the royal pronunciation right on the mark, I made a
note of it and then heard a theater goer from the Chicago Shakespeare theatre ask me later if Mr. Hickey was from England. I responded that I didn't believe so, but that his
oratory was a gift of his labors. Another gift for his labor
was getting a role which allowed him to be nuzzled by attractive women in the silk lingerie.
Katherine Keberlein playing Elvira with glances of lust
thrown about the room and landing upon Charles (Jack
Hickey), allures one to visions of the spirit realm. Christine Stulik as Ruth is engaging and a welcome addition to the
vocal fencing Charles. All of the accents were top notch
and the setting of Mills house is ideal for these up close
dramas.
The intimacy and settings are ideal for this small gathered
audience, reminiscent of a rich Count entertaining his guests
at the chateau. This wonderous tale of mystery and the
occult is spiced with enough humor to take the chill off any
vexation.
Highly recommended for all.
What happens when Charles, an
urbane Englishman, asks a medium to hold a séance and she
inadvertently resurrects his deceased first wife Elvira? His new
wife is not particularly pleased with her new role as the other woman
in this unusual love triangle. The popular comedy-farce played to
sold out houses in New York and London, and is one of Coward's most
enduring scripts.
The Oak Park Festival Theatre announces the first play of its 34th
season series, Noël Coward's witty drawing room farce, Blithe
Spirit, March 28 thru April 27. Preview performances March 26 and 27;
Opening performance, March 28, 2008; Closing performance April
27. Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 4
p.m. Tickets $17 - $27. Previews $15.
Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets
are available online at www.oakparkfestival.com,
or call 708.445.4440
for reservations. Box office at Pleasant Home opens one hour before
curtain time.
Performances will be at turn-of-the-century National Historic Landmark,
Pleasant Home, 217 Home Avenue, on the corner of Pleasant and Home
Avenues in downtown Oak Park. Pleasant Home is within walking distance
of the Green Line CTA and Metra trains, and there is plenty of
on-street parking.
Playing the lead role of Charles will be Jack Hickey, a member of
Actors Equity. Katherine Keberlein will play his formerly
deceased wife. Connie Anderko is the troublesome medium, Madame
Arcati. Rebecca Cox, Kimberly Logan, Brian Simmons, and Christine
Stulik round out the cast. David Mink, who has previously
directed the company’s productions in this historic mansion, will
direct. The Stage Manager is Robert W. Behr, a member of Actors
Equity. Costumes are by kClare Kemock, Lighting by Jeremy Getz, sound
by Klye Irwin, make-up by Amanda Fox.
Cast and Crew
David
Mink, Director
Connie Anderko, Madame Arcati
Rebecca Cox, Edith
Jack Hickey, Charles
Katherine Keberlein, Elvira
Kimberly Logan, Mrs. Bradman
Brian Simmons, Dr. Bradman
Christine Stulik, Ruth
Nick Maroon, Molly Surowitz and Lucy Gilsepie - Understudies
Robert W. Behr, Stage Manager
kClare Kemock, Costume Designer
Randy Cromwell, Set/Props Manager
Kyle Irwin, Sound Designer
Jeremy Getz,Lighting Designer
Amanda Fox, Makeup Designer
Jeffrey H. Jones, House Manager
Mary Cowart, Box Office Manager
Connie Anderko, Madame Arcati
Rebecca Cox, Edith
Jack Hickey, Charles
Katherine Keberlein, Elvira
Kimberly Logan, Mrs. Bradman
Brian Simmons, Dr. Bradman
Christine Stulik, Ruth
Nick Maroon, Molly Surowitz and Lucy Gilsepie - Understudies
Robert W. Behr, Stage Manager
kClare Kemock, Costume Designer
Randy Cromwell, Set/Props Manager
Kyle Irwin, Sound Designer
Jeremy Getz,Lighting Designer
Amanda Fox, Makeup Designer
Jeffrey H. Jones, House Manager
Mary Cowart, Box Office Manager
http://www.oakparkfestival.com/
© Suburban Journals of Chicago
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.
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