ANNA MARIA – After having to cancel last year’s theater season due to COVID-19, the Island Players are thrilled with the response to their 73rd season, which continues with their third production, Noel Coward’s comedy, “Blithe Spirit.”
Directed by Jeffrey Steiger, stage-managed by Denise Handley and co-produced by Duncan Real Estate, the play will run from Jan. 6-23.
Written in 1941, “Blithe Spirit” was the longest-running comedy in British theater for many years. It broke London box office records before hitting Broadway. In 1945, to audiences’ delight, it became a popular film directed by David Lean and starring Rex Harrison.
In the play, skeptical Charles Condomine invites the eccentric Madame Arcati to his home for a séance. Soon after, he is haunted by the spirit of his first wife, Elvira, who turns his life to shambles as she hilariously torments his second wife, Ruth.
Some familiar cast members are returning for this production: Mark Shoemaker as Charles, Heiko Knipfelberg as Doctor Bradman, Sylvia Marnie as Mrs. Bradman and Abby Deenik as Elvira. New to the Island Players stage are Jan Wallace as Ruth, Seva Anthony as Madame Arcati and Maggie Carter as Edith.
Tickets are available at the box office for $25 beginning Dec. 27. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one hour before each show. For more information, please visit the website or call the box office at 941-778-5755. The theater is located at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria.
Masks are required for every performance, and hand sanitizer is readily available.
