Alright, so it's not a revival of High Spirits, but I can barely contain my excitement at the idea of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit coming back to Broadway. The 1941 play, about the chaos that ensues when a man's dead wife is resurrected during a seance, was last seen on Broadway in 1987 starring Richard Chamberlain, Blythe Danner and Geraldine Page.
The revival is going to be directed by Michael Blakemore and it was just announced today that the production is going to star Christine Ebersole as Elvira, the first (deceased) wife. I've heard the producers want Angela Lansbury for the role of the eccentric medium Madame Arcati, a role written for Margaret Rutherford (and subsequently played by Mildred Natwick in the original Broadway cast and by Bea Lillie in the musical adaptation, High Spirits in 1964). Lansbury has apparently gone on record saying she wouldn't take on any more stage roles after the taxing production of Deuce. Let's hope that producer Jeffrey Richards and Blakemore can convince her otherwise!
Other casting is pending. Any thoughts on who should round out the play?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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5 comments:
Angela has taken back that statement more than once. She now says, "Try me."
Like I said, I was underwhelmed by the production of "Blithe Spirit" that I saw earlier this year. It looked great and the actors were all good but it just didn't engage me as much as I'd hoped. I found it a little tiring after awhile. But if Angela Lansbury is in the Broadway revival, well that's a different matter entirely! I'd definitely give it a second chance.
this is glorious!! i can't wait!! audra mcdonald as ruth!!
Perhaps "Blithe Spirit" and "High Spirits" could be done in rep, eh Sarah? ;)
It'll be fun to see this comedy onstage.
I love that rumor TAAL!!! Let's keep hoping!
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