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Letter to the Editor
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share thisThe spirit lives in Waverly
EDITOR: It's been some time since I've attended a live play, and when I read that Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" was nearby Karen and I couldn't resist running over to Waverly, N.Y. It was our first trip to Waverly Storefront Theatre, a quaint and warm setup. The stage provides rare intimacy seldom possible with exception to front row seating at a dinner theatre with exquisite scenery.
The play was Coward's favorite. He directed the 1941 performance in London that ran nearly 2,000 performances. It made it debut on Broadway the same year with rare reviews with 657 performances. Film adaptation featured Rex Harrison at the end of World War II with period background filled with classic melodies such as "I'll be seeing you."
A brief narration revolves around high class Charles Condomine, an author working on background for a novel invites a medium Madame Archati who unknowingly conjures up Charles' first wife Elvira. The focus of the farce shifts into high gear with an attempt to send Elvira back with a unique twist and several unexpected turn of events. The "jolly good" English brogue and humor does take a few minutes for the ear to fully adjust.
Facial expressions were a delight to behold displaying a wide range of nonverbal communication. The British dialect was "spot-on" by every cast member. Charles (Michael Lavarnway) appears on stage much of the action. His characterization was near genius portrayal of Charles, fully faithful to the script, consistent throughout the entire play, lasting two hours of grueling rapid paced dialog.
Each entrance of medium Madame Archati played by Barbara Krauss was so vivid that it inspired a round of applause, - to Ms. Krauss, the casting and wardrobe director. She projected such flair of her character that it mesmerized the audience with earthy ethos, laser perfect delivery of the author's intent.
First wife Elvira (Regina Hofmann) as semi-materialized ghost and Ruth (Julia Lavarnway), wife number two, were most convincing displaying obvious contrast between competing characters and motivations. Edith, (Kathryn Morrissey Burch) stole the show several times as maid with a realistic scream and timid - comic mannerisms.
Rounding out the cast of characters where James Wellington and Deb Mauldin-Hall as husband and wife providing exceptional supporting character roles.
Magic of make-belief takes enormous concentration by actors dedicated to the theatre, hours of memorization, practicing character interaction, blocking, voice projection, a host of production staff, stage management - all a function of leadership by a highly skilled director, namely Don Lerario, who should have taken a well deserved bow with the entire cast.
For reservations, please call (607) 565-8714. The last performance is scheduled at 3 p.m. on Jan. 24, tickets are $15 reserved seating. Web site info can be viewed at www.waverlystorefronttheatre.org.
The Valley is fortunate to have such multi-talented individuals at the Waverly Storefront Theatre and the Winding River Players in Towanda. Professionalism and quality of acting would blend in seamlessly at any major metropolitan city, including on-and-off Broadway.
A round of applause to all, congratulations, and continued best wishes.
Chuck Kovacs
Wysox
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