07/25/2026
Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora
Auditions: BLITHE SPIRIT
Sunday, August 2, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Callbacks: Monday, August 3, if needed
REHEARSALS: Aug 4 – Sept 10.
PERFORMANCES: Sept 11 – Oct 4. Sixteen performances in total.
Thursdays 7:30, Fridays 8:00, Saturdays 2:00, Sundays 2:00; and Wed, Sept 30 at 7:30.
TO AUDITION: email your resume and a recent photo to [email protected].
PRODUCTION STAFF: Darlin Barry, director; Buddy Fales, scenic design; Diego Ford and Phillip Lupo, lighting design.
Blithe Spirit is set in the 1930s, in the English countryside town of Kent, at the home of Charles and Ruth Condomine. Charles, a successful author and born skeptic, is doing research on the work of psychics who claim they can contact loved ones on ‘the other side’. He invites Madame Arcati, a well-known medium, to hold a séance, so he may observe her. In attendance are Dr. Bradman and Mrs. Bradman, who have been invited as participants. During the séance, Charles’ deceased first wife, Elvira, appears. Only Charles can see her, and once there, she makes it clear she has no intention of returning to ‘the beyond’ without him. In Elvira’s attempt to ‘bring Charles over,’ she rigs the car brakes and inadvertently kills Ruth. Now Charles must have Madame Arcati exorcise both Ruth and Elvira from the house if he is ever to have any peace again. Throughout the story, the presence of the household maid, Edith, becomes increasingly relevant to the mystical occurrences, as her psychic powers are discovered to be causing interference.
THE CHARACTERS:
Charles Condomine, is a successful writer; he is self-assured and confident of his beliefs, and comfortable in his second marriage with Ruth. He believes he has put the past behind him – particularly his affections for his first wife, Elvira.
Elvira, the now deceased, first Mrs. Condomine. Elvira died seven years ago of pneumonia, while still young and vibrant. She is emotional and strong-willed. A real match for Charles, their five-year marriage was both stormy and passionate.
Ruth Condomine, the second wife. She is sensible, grounded, and a disbeliever in the occult. Ruth is devoted to Charles, to whom she has been married just a few years.
Madame Arcati is an older woman who is tuned in with the spiritual world and nature. Robust and hearty, she rides her bicycle everywhere. As an author of children’s stories in addition to her work as a medium, she embraces life with gusto.
Dr. Bradman is a trustworthy country doctor. Like Charles, he has no belief in the afterlife. He and his wife are invited to dinner to be participants in the séance.
Mrs. Bradman is a warm and friendly dinner guest. She is excited about the séance and more open to its possibilities than the others.
Edith, the maid, speaks with a Cockney accent. She is timid, eager to please and not very competent. Ultimately, her psychic abilities become entangled with the dilemma of the visiting spirits.
BOX OFFICE INFORMATION: The Box Office: (352) 383-4616. Email: [email protected]. Located at 1100 N. Unser St., Mount Dora, FL 32757. Box Office hours by phone: Tues.-Fri., 1-5 pm, and in-person, one hour prior to performances. Site: www.icehousetheatre.com.
The IceHouse Players, Inc. is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization offering opportunities for all members of the Central Florida region to engage in the joy of participation in live theater, backstage, on stage, and as ushers. We welcome newcomers who wish to volunteer and are proud to provide cultural enrichment to the residents of our community.
# # #
