BWW Reviews: Angela Lansbury Triumphs in Heavenly BLITHE SPIRIT

Angela Lansbury has swooped into Washington in Noel Coward's sparkling comedy BLITHE SPIRIT and you owe it to yourself to see it.

Seeing the legendary star of stage, film and television is reason enough to get to the National Theatre box office or contact them immediately. If you have followed the life of this production from the 2009 Broadway revival to the London mounting that brought Dame Angela back to the West End for the first time in 40 years, it will not come as a surprise that the show is an embarrassment of riches.

If had to choose, I would say that BLITHE SPIRIT is Noel Coward's funniest play, subtitled "an improbable farce." (I am still waiting for a production of PRIVATE LIVES that sends me into comic heaven.) Under Michael Blakemore's exacting direction, Coward's lark of a play shines like a bright English morning. Coward's bon mots are all intact, as is the breezy plot which moves along at an agreeable pace. Popular since its debut during the dark days of World War II, the story concerns Charles Condomine, a novelist, and his second wife who have invited some friends over for dinner so he can study the fifth guest: a colorful spiritualist and medium from the village. Once Madame Arcati dabbles with the afterlife, Condomine's first wife pays an unwelcome call on her widowed husband.

As Charles, Charles Edwards - known to millions from DOWNTON ABBEY - is effortlessly charming and exasperated dealing with his ghostly first wife, Elvira, and earthbound second wife, Ruth. Ruth is handled with style by Charlotte Parry. As the alluring and seductive Elvira, Melissa Woodbridge flirts and pouts, and purrs and rages with the best of them. Woodbridge is also blessed with one of those Diana Rigg/Vanessa Redgrave voices that is 50 percent baritone and 50 percent pure sex appeal which she uses to weave a potent spell on Charles.

As Dr. and Mrs. Bradman, the friendly dinner guests, Simon Jones and Sandra Shipley play the altogether conventional roles they are given with steady professionalism. Both Jones and Shipley have been associated with the Lansbury-revival off and on since the 2009 Broadway reprisal.

The penultimate cast member who must be mentioned is what appears to be a comic genius as far as I am concerned: Susan Louise O'Connor as the most memorable house maid I have ever seen in the theatre. O'Connor, like Jones, reprises her role from the 2009 Broadway production and I can see why. Proving there are no small parts - and she certainly is not a "small actor" - O'Connor's physically challenged, swift-footed and mentally addled Edith is a sight to behold. And you will never forget seeing how she stacks cups, saucers and tea trays.

Which brings us to the headliner and production's true raison d'etre: Angela Lansbury. The 89-year old legendary star has said in interviews, "Madame Arcati may one of the best roles I have ever had" in the theatre. Knowing the depth of her theatrical resume, I will grant her this: her performance as the eccentric physic distills Lansbury's 70-plus years of experience into a perfect package. Sweet and salty, earthy and ethereal, Lansbury's Madame Arcati takes a dash of Mame Dennis, a hint of her madwoman from DEAR WORLD, a bite of Nellie Lovett, and even a sip of Mrs. Potts. The glint in her eye shines magically, and her withering looks could fell an oak tree. And, good Lord, is she funny! From entrance to exit and with her every appearance, Dame Angela leaves no comic stone unturned. I have seen at least six Arcati's in my life - including the memorable performance by Margaret Rutherford in the film adaptation - but no one comes close to Lansbury as she warms up and goes into her trance.

As I watched Angela Lansbury and was completely under the spell of BLITHE SPIRIT, flashes of her film roles and other appearances whirred through my mind as I realized she was nine rows away from me. No matter where you sit, I trust you would have the same feeling.

Sure, I must admit, as sparkling as Coward's witty and silly farce is, the whole affair is truly old fashioned. During the séance, the actors still have to make the table shake, a wind machine still has to blow the curtains open to foretell a spiritual entrance, and little rods push the books from the shelves once Mr. Condomine's house becomes a ghostly war zone. But I would not have BLITHE SPIRIT any other way - especially starring Angela Lansbury and her stellar company.

- Reviewed by Jeffrey Walker. Follow me at @jeffwalker66

North American Tour of Noël Coward's BLITHE SPIRIT Starring Angela Lansbury

Directed by Michael Blakemore

CAST: Angela Lansbury, Charles Edwards, Melissa Woodbridge, Charlotte Parry, Simon Jones, Susan Louise O'Conner, Sandra Shipley.

PRODUCTION: Director Michael Blakemore; Scenic Designer Simon Higlett; Lighting Designer Mark Jonathan; Sound Designers Ben and Max Ringham; Angela Lansbury's Costumes designed by Martin Pakledinaz

Performances: March 17, 2015 to March 29, 2015: evening and matinee performances.

Runtime: 2 hours, 40 min, with intermission

Tickets are available at the National Theatre box office, online at thenationaldc.com or by calling 800.514.3849. Group orders of 10 or more may call, 855.486.2516. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004 (202) 628-6161

Photo Credit: JOAN MARCUS

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