GreenMan Theatre's 'Blithe Spirit' cast to bring Noel Coward's famed play to life

Actors in GreenMan Theatre Troupe's production of British playwright Noel Coward's ghostly, humor-filled play "Blithe Spirit" are preparing to raise Elmhurst's proverbial rafters to the comedic roof during their Nov. 10-19 performances.

GreenMan Theatre's "Blithe Spirit" will run for two weekends with eight performances scheduled.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at GreenMan's performance space, 232 S. York St., in the First United Methodist Church building in Elmhurst.

Tickets, $20 or $15 for children or seniors, age 65 or older, can be purchased at www.greenmantheatre.org.

Previously produced by GreenMan during their second season in 2005, "Blithe Spirit" showcases the humorous antics of Brits Charles Condomine and his second wife Ruth, who get more than they bargained for when they invite a medium, Madame Arcati, to hold a séance at their home. Comedic twists and turns ensue when Charles's first wife, Elvira, visits the séance.

"Hopefully our audience's sides will hurt from laughter when they leave," said Darriana Rockholt, who portrays ex-wife Elvira. Mary-Carol Riehs, in the role of medium Madame Arcati, agreed, "All these characters are entertaining in different ways. The audience will find their experiences amusing and delightful."

The actors appearing in GreenMan's production of "Blithe Spirit" are: Elliot Brtva (Schaumburg) who plays Charles Condomine, the husband who must deal with the ghostly appearance of his first wife; Katie Lahey (Bensenville) and Rockholt (Dolton) as Charles' two seemingly-opposite wives, Ruth Condomine and Elvira; medium Madame Arcati, played by Riehs (Elmhurst), who holds a séance to contact the spirit world; Duard Mosley (Hinsdale) and Carolyn Pizzato (Palatine) as the neighbor couple Dr. and Mrs. Bradman; and daffy maid Edith, played by Maggie Liston (McHenry).

GreenMan's "Blithe Spirit" boasts a well-cast, dynamic group of actors. "My fellow cast members have great comedic timing," Rockholt said.

Lahey added, "We're all very supportive of one another and each of us has so much energy."

GreenMan Theatre's actors will perform "Blithe Spirit" in authentic British accents. Lahey even uses her British accent in everyday life. "My boss had to ask me to stop using the accent with clients," she said. Cast members also work to perfect their accents after rehearsals. "We all go sit at the local Starbucks and talk British to each other," Pizzato said.

"Blithe Spirit" is again being directed by David Soria, who served as director for GreenMan Theatre's original 2005 production. Cheryl Turek is acting as stage manager and director's assistant.

In their 20th season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include "The Odd Couple," "Dracula," and "Pride and Prejudice." GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theater production. GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.