Classic play comes to theater

Running into a former spouse can certainly be tricky, but especially so if they're dead.

That's what Charles in the play "Blithe Spirit" learns when he and his current wife decide to conjure up a spirit and are swiftly greeted by his dead wife. The insanity that follows may not be much fun for poor Charles, but the story has entertained audiences for years, making "Blithe Spirit" a truly beloved American play.

"It's just a riot," said Director Pat Quinn. "Most guys have trouble just handling one woman in life and all of a sudden Charles has two - and he doesn't do it very well at all."

Theater lovers in Yuma will get to find out for themselves very soon, when a production of "Blithe Spirit" is staged at the Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main St. The play stars members of the City of Yuma Employees Association (COYEA), which puts on a comic play every summer.

The show, which is being directed by Quinn, is set to run Thursday, June 18 through Saturday, June 20 and Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27. Show times will be 7 p.m.

Admission will be $8 for all ages. Tickets will be sold at the door, or in advance at the Yuma Art Center and Yuma Civic  Center.

"Blithe Spirit," written by Noel Coward, debuted on a London stage in 1941. It was later turned into a movie twice.

  "It's currently running on Broadway and it's been done quite a bit in the last year, kind of getting a resurgence," said Quinn. "Angela Lansbury just won a Tony for her performance in the play."

"Blithe Spirit" marks the fourth play put on by members of COYEA. Past productions have been a female version of "The Odd Couple," "Lend Me a Tenor," and "Don't Tell Mother."

"The whole premise behind the show is just to give humble public servants a chance to step out of their comfort zone for the entertainment of the public," Quinn said. "Their share of the proceeds goes toward scholarships for children of city employees."

"Blithe Spirit" features the following cast:

  * Charles: Pat Quinn

  * Ruth: Wendy Wrenn

  * Elvira: Julia Bailey

  * Dr. and Mrs. Bradman: Greg Stopka and Suzy Abril

   *Psychic: Yara Nash

"I have to brag about them," Quinn said. "For a cast of predominantly rookies they have done an amazing job. They are having a great time, too, at least I haven't received any hate mail from them! They are just a great group to work with."