SPC actors add 'Spirit' to first play production
by Brittany Bradford, co-entertainment editor

More than 60 years ago, Noel Coward put on paper a hilarious example of irony, revenge and tragic comedy. The South Plains College theatre program took this popular play and painted the stage with amazing skill and impressive talent that exceeds many college production standards.

“Blithe Spirit” is a story of a confused man who has remarried shortly after the death of his first wife and engages in a séance. Unexpectedly, the ghost of his first wife returns and stays in his house and continues to ruin his current marriage.

Robert Sullivan, who portrayed a very memorable character, played the part of the frustrated widower and husband, Charles. His performance was very colorful and had the whole audience busting with laughter. Sullivan continually stayed in character, adding a very real feel to the play.

This production was also given great accuracy because of its unique and intriguing costume design. Mariel Brown, who played Elvira, the late wife of Charles, gave the audience a huge chill when she abruptly appeared in a full ghostly costume and continued to entertain with her mischievous ways and complicated emotion.

Brown said she enjoyed playing Elvira, and that she is “very childlike and mischievous and comparatively young and she died young, so she expresses herself in a different way.” She went on to say that she relates to her in that “she has her own agenda.”

Faith Lowery who played Ruth, the second wife of Charles, showed off notable skill in the scenes in which she had to appear blind to the site of the ghost of Elvira. The audience played almost an omniscient part, knowing and being able to see the deceased figure. But Ruth’s part had many moments when she would yell and scorn her husband’s previous wife for her actions, and other times she would be screaming blankly into space. Lowery made the fact that her character cannot see Elvira very apparent and pulled it off very well.

In addition, the outrageous antics of Madame Arcati, the “out-there” medium played by Michal Blackburn, lifted the mood of the drama and left the audience waiting for her character to reappear. Her lavish attire, unexpected hair styles, shrill, loud voice and constant rambling created an audience connection and almost annoyance with her character, just as she is intended to be portrayed.

The production ran for almost three hours, providing an entertaining and enjoyable way to spend a weekend night. Future productions include “I Ought to be in Pictures” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’- The Fats Waller Musical Show” Auditions are open to everyone.

“Blithe Spirit” was a huge success and was a clue to the hidden talent within the walls of the Creative Arts building.