The classic tale centers on the tribulations of Charles Condomine as he’s haunted, by the ghost of his first wife Elvira who appears following a séance orchestrated by the eccentric medium, Madam Arcati.  Elvira’s appearance throws the ordered life Charles leads with his second wife into turmoil as Elvira tries to rekindle her relationship with Charles.  But director Pete Shaner has spun an interesting twist into this classic Noel Coward farce.  Instead to visiting the British countryside, the audience will find themselves immersed in the heyday of Hollywood.

“We want to create a unique experience for the audience,” said Pete Shaner, Blithe Spirit director, “Both community theater enthusiasts who may be familiar with the play and also first time theater goers should enjoy the experience. It will be like stepping back in time and being part of the séance, the rituals, the confusion and the chaos.  We’ve created quite a few memorable surprises that we hope will breathe a new life into our production.”

Director Pete Shaner, an independent filmmaker and an officer in the Air National Guard, is a fairly recent addition to the Coronado Playhouse and theater.  He was first seen in the role of ‘Hornbeck’ in Inherit the Wind and most recently he’s played ‘Orlando’ in Shakespeare’s As You Like It.  He’s currently finishing up an independent film version of As You Like It using most of the same cast members from the theatrical production.

The play is being produced by Lizzie Mander-Wilson, who is a long time veteran of the Coronado Playhouse in addition to being a member of the board for the Playhouse. 

The cast of Blithe Spirit includes Nicole Wolber (Ruth), Pete Shaner (Charles), Victoria Mature (Elvira), Jim Steinberg (Dr. Bradman), Renee Gondola (Mrs. Bradman), Amanda Everett (Edith, the maid), and Ashley Gardner (Madame Arcati).