Erica Neils plays Madame Arcati in "Blithe Spirit" at the Historic Everett Theatre. Photo by Leilani Saper.

 

Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" has come alive at the Historic Everett Theatre for a three-weekend run that ends October 9.

Coward wrote "Blithe Spirit" in 1941 after his London office had been destroyed in the Blitz. The award-winning playwright seemed determined to focus on a script that was light and frothy, counteracting the terror of his everyday world, and he succeeded brilliantly.

Directed by Daniel A. Guttenberg for Red Curtain Productions, the local presentation offers plenty of entertainment that includes physical comedy, special effects and interesting characters.

Charles Condomine, played by local community theatre favorite Asa Sholdez, is a British writer who's working on a new book idea that would explore-and expose--the era's fashionable obsession with the occult.

Charles and his wife Ruth (Marysville's Suzanne Soule) invite Madame Arcati, a character embodied expertly by Erica Neils, to perform a séance at the couple's country home. During the flamboyant séance, she accidentally summons Charles' dead wife, the flirty and mischievous Elvira (Jennifer Ropella).

The true standout of this play is Erica Neils. A 2008 graduate of Cornish College of the Arts, this is her first show with Red Curtain Productions, and amazingly, she stepped into the role only 10 days before opening. Thanks to years of stage experience with the Seattle Shakespeare Company, Open Circle Theatre, GreenStage and Second Story Repertory, she turns in an entertaining and over-the-top performance.

The set, designed by Scott Randall and Daniel Guttenberg, was beautifully decorated for the time period, including the Condomines' ever-present bar fully stocked with brandy, sherry, port and all the other libations enjoyed by British high society.

Edith the maid, played by Megan Elizabeth Wescott, presented an odd but amusing character in her pivotal role with eccentric entrances and exists.

"Blithe Spirit" plays through Sunday, October 9, at the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave. in downtown Everett. Call (425) 258-6766 for tickets.