Erica Neils as Madame Arcati conjures up more than she intended in Red Curtain's production of "Blithe Spirit," Sept. 23 through Oct. 9 at the Historic Everett Theatre. Photo by Leilani Saper.

 

Red Curtain Foundation opens its 2011-2012 community theatre season with Noel Coward's classic comedy, "Blithe Spirit," running Sept. 23 through Oct. 9 at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave. in downtown Everett.

Socialite and novelist Charles Condomine (played by local stage favorite Asa Sholdez) invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati (Erica Neils), to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his annoying and temperamental first wife, Elvira (Jennifer Ropella), following the séance.

The mischievous Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth (Suzanne Soule), who cannot see or hear the ghost.

It's ironic that the ghostly story will be presented at the Historic Everett Theatre, which has its own reputation as a haunted venue. The resident ghost, who has been given the moniker of Smilin' Al, has been perceived as a friendly entity, although he is known to be mischievous at times too.

"Blithe Spirit" is a lighthearted yet well-written supernatural comedy by one of the great writers of our time. The cast features local community theatre favorites, and the show is directed by Daniel Guttenberg.

Shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m., Sept. 23 through Oct. 9. Tickets, available at www.brownpapertickets.com or through the theatre's box office at (425) 258-6766, are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military personnel.