By Dean Poling
The Valdosta Daily Times — VALDOSTA — Hearing Ricardo Ipina explain the plot of “Blithe Spirit,” one may think this is a horror story rather than a comedy.
The play involves a remarried widower writing a book about the spirit world. Researching his book, he hires a clairvoyant. He gets more than he bargained. The clairvoyant unleashes the spirit of his dead wife. His dead wife’s ghost wants to kill his current wife.
As much as playwright Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” sounds like a haunting thriller, it is actually a British comedy from the 1930s.
“Blithe Spirit” is also Valdosta High School Drama’s selection for regional high school one-act competition next week in Moultrie. VHS Drama opens the show for the public this evening with additional performances running through the weekend.
Competition requires schools to install their scenes, perform their plays, and strike their sets within a 55-minute period. Ipina, VHS Drama director, has cut “Blithe Spirit” to run under 55 minutes. No easy feat editing a master playwright of wit such as Noel Coward.
The student cast and crew will run the public performances at competition speed.
“It is too difficult on the students switching from one play length to another,” Ipina said. “This way we can be better prepared for competition.”
THE CAST: Rebecca Morris, Taylor Jessee, Daniela Gonzalez, William Mahoney, Laura Murphy, Christie Mayo, William Stillings.
DIRECTION, CREW: Ricardo Ipina, director; Heidi Wigley, stage manager; Harleigh Bell, Alexandria Dzurissin, Latressa Jones, Patrick Hilgert, Cathy Nguyen, Angela Miller, Clarissa Raybon, Hunter Pope, Jade Spikes, Clarence Strawder, Jamahri Johnson, Michael Settles, Chris Bivins, Mary Macheski-Preston, Desiree Cooper, stage crew.
VHS Drama presents “Blithe Spirit.”
When: 7 p.m. today, Friday, Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
Where: Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center, North Forrest Street.
Ticket: $5.
