Reviewer Ed Farolan

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An instant hit when it was first presented in 1941, this production was well-received by Vancouver audiences. When you have a Noel Coward play, you can expect a delightful evening of quick and clever dialogue. What makes Coward a genius is that he wrote this play in only five days and it had one of the longest runs in London's West End.

Director Gaye Le Page assembled a strong cast, many new to Metro audiences. In the lead role of “Charles” is Alexander Keurvorst who did a great job playing the wealthy novelist who invites an eccentric medium, Madame Arcati to  his house to conduct a seance, hoping to gather material for his next book. His second wife, Ruth, is played by Lisa Gach, who also did a fantastic job with her shrewish character. But I enjoyed Charles’ first wife, the ghostly siren “Elvira” portrayed by newcomer Rebecca Husain. . Frances Herzer as Madame Arcati was delightful in her eccentricity, and Dick Pugh as Dr. Bradman was very typically English with his aristocratic British demeanor. Newcomers to Metro Barbara Ellison ( Mrs. Bradman) was perfect for the role and Katie Fournell ( Edith) was funny, especially when she comes face to face with Elvira's ghost (see top image).

Kudos to Director Le Page and the production staff. The costumes by Heike Maulhardt were classic; the set by Kathleen Hilton was superb; the sound design by Catherine Morrison brought you back to the early 20th century ambience.

This is the last week of the show which closes on June 1st, so get your tickets and go see this classic Coward play.

© 2013 Ed Farolan