Photo Flash: BLITHE SPIRIT Begins at the Arvada Center Tonight

Blithe Spirit is a classic Noël Coward comedy set in a British country house in the 1930's. This spirited story opens as novelist Charles Condomine, invites eccentric clairvoyant Madame Arcati to hold a séance at the home as research for his latest book. The attempt backfires when the Madame inadvertently conjures up the ghost of his temperamental first wife, Elvira who immediately takes issue with Charles' second wife Ruth. Comedy and mayhem run rampant throughout this spirited farce as Elvira attempts to disrupt Charles' marriage while scheming ways to have him join her in the afterlife.

The cast features several actors familiar to the Arvada Center stage including Steven Cole Hughes (Charles Condomine); Heather Lacy making her Arvada Center debut as Charles' late wife Elvira; Kate Berry (Charles' second wife Ruth); Leslie O'Carroll (Edith, the maid); Mark Rubald (Dr. George Bradman); Alex Ryer (Mrs. Violet Bradman); and audience favorite Beth Flynn as the peculiar clairvoyant Madame Arcati. Flynn returns to the Arvada stage after a two year absence. She was last seen as Mrs. Fezziwig in Christmas Carol, The Musical during the 2010 holiday season.

Don't miss "A Spirited Talk with Tom 'Dr. Colorado' Noel," professor of History, director of Public History and Preservation and featured Sunday Denver Post columnist. Dr. Noel has explored Colorado ghosts, ghost towns and tales in his 41 books and will share his favorite stories in a free public event on Tuesday, February 5 from 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. Complimentary heavenly tastings from Whole Foods will be provided plus a cash bar and coffee will be available. Advance reservations for this free event are required by February 1. Call the Arvada Center Box Office to reserve your tickets 720-898-7200.

Previews are tonight, January 18 - 20 at 7:30 p.m. nightly. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday at 1:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Please note - curtain time for the Sunday, February 3 matinee has been changed to 1:00 p.m. Talkbacks will be offered Friday, February 1 after the 7:30 p.m. show and Wednesday, February 6 after the 1:00 p.m. show. To purchase tickets and for additional information go to www.arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.

In its 36 year history, the award winning Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities has grown to become one of the nation's largest multidisciplinary arts centers, devoted to all aspects of the arts and generously supported in part by the City of Arvada, the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and Colorado Creative Industries. The Arvada Center is located at 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. and provides free parking for all its patrons.