The Hilberry Theatre opens the 2004-2005 Season with Noël Coward's comedy Blithe Spirit at 8 pm on Friday, October 8, 2004.

Set in the 1930's near London, Blithe Spirit takes place in the home of novelist and socialite Charles Condomine. Charles has an interest in spirituality and is writing a book based on his discoveries. To enrich his understanding of the supernatural world, Charles invites eccentric clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to perform a séance at a dinner party From this comic paranormal experience, his deceased wife, Elvira, pays a visit to the Condomine home.

The unexpected turn of events causes domestic differences between Charles and his current wife, Ruth. This battle of wits results in a baffling love triangle, one like no other play of its time: a reason why Blithe Spirit continues to be a theatrical favorite.

Director Lavinia Hart calls the play "a high comedy romp that tweaks the habits of the "smart set" and their pervasive interests in spiritualism during the 1930's." According to Hart, Coward gave us a purely entertaining play as a diversion from everyday worries. "Regarding current events and our own need for elegant entertainment, it is definitely the right play at the right time," says Hart. "Everyone should come and share in the charm and laughter of Noel Coward's 'blithe spirit.'"

Simply known as "The Master," Coward wrote Blithe Spirit in seven days while serving as a secret agent in Paris during World War II. The play was first produced and presented at the Picadilly Theatre in London's West End on July 2, 1941. Directed by the playwright himself, it played for a record breaking 1,997 consecutive performances. Its American stage premiere occurred in November of that same year, playing a total of 785 performances between two Broadway theatres.

The cast includes: Nick DePinto as Charles, Lisa Betz as Ruth, Amanda Rae Jones as Elvira, Jennifer McConnell as Madame Arcati, Megan Callahan as Edith, Mike Anthony as Dr. Bradman and Tiffanie Kilgast as Mrs. Bradman. Designers for Blithe Spirit are Larry Kaushansky (scenery), Thomas H. Schraeder (lighting), John D. Woodland (costumes) and Jeremy McDaniel (sound).

Blithe Spirit opens on October 8, 2004 and plays through December 11, 2004 in rotating repertory with The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare and Mother Courage and Her Children by Bertolt Brecht.

Ticket prices range from $13 - $22, with student rush tickets available the day of the performance for $10. Group discounts are also available. For tickets and further information, please call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Theatre box office at 4743 Cass Ave. on the corner of Cass and W. Hancock.