BLITHE SPIRIT Opens Oakland University on 11/14

The theatre program at Oakland University will open a production of Noël Coward's elegant, yet hilarious play "Blithe Spirit" on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Director Thomas M. Suda describes the play as, "A portrayal of a marriage thrown into comic confusion by the appearance on the scene of what we might describe as the ultimate 'other woman' - coming as she does from the other side, the afterlife."

This happens when, as research for his next novel, Charles Condomine engages a medium, Madame Arcati, to conduct a séance, which inadvertently raises the ghost of his late wife, Elvira.

For Ruth, Charles's current wife, Elvira's presence is no laughing matter, particularly since Elvira seems eager to reclaim her former husband - either in this world or the next.

"The true essence of Coward's humor, like that of Oscar Wilde and Richard Brinsley Sheridan, is the brilliance of his dialogue," Suda said.

The performances will take place in the Varner Studio Theatre on the Oakland University campus, where ample free parking is available. Maps are available at oakland.edu/map or by searching for "Varner Hall" on a smart phone.

Tickets are $14 for general admission and $8 for students, children and the 10 a.m. matinee. They can be purchased online, by phone or in person. Complete ticket information is available at oakland.edu/tickets.

More information is available on OU Music, Theatre and Dance's newly designed website atoakland.edu/mtd or by calling (248)370-2030.

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