2008.03.27
"Blithe Spirit" is showing at Showtimers Theatre
If you’re looking for something a little more live and charming than sitting on the couch with the dog, cat, or significant other with a video store rental or the latest episode of CSI in a far away metropolitan area, “Blithe Spirit” at Showtimers could save your Wednesday to weekend night sometime in the next two weeks.
Don’t expect for it to bring you back to Roanoke, either: set in the 1930s, a British author’s information gathering during a séance goes awry when the zany Madame Arcati, played by Nancy Lawrence, conjures up his first wife. As if that weren’t enough, Charles and Ruth Condomine (Ruth is his second and current wife) must navigate through polite society as they deal with the unruly and “blithe” ghost of Elvira, played by Cris Emerson. Charles and Ruth Condomine are played by Phil Boyd and Stevie Holcomb, respectively.
Showtimers is located on Keagy Rd., right off of 419. (Yes, it’s about five miles outside of So Salem’s coverage area, but well within range). The stage and seating area is a former Methodist chapel — but it’s very appropriate considering the players’ and members’ dedication and reverence for theater.
“We’re like a small family here,” Cindy Keeling, costume coordinator, said. Most of the players and audience have been involved in the theater for years.
If you’d like to get involved with Showtimers on stage, your next chance is coming up Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 at 6 p.m. for “The Boys Next Door,” directed by Phil Boyd. There are roles for seven men and two women, ages 20 to 60.
