She amazed the audience that Friday evening for the San Francisco engagement of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit.” And, without hesitation the full-house stood and cheered Lansbury with a long ovation with the play’s spectacularly surprising ending.
It has been more 30 years since Lansbury appeared at The Golden Gate Theatre in the macabre musical “Sweeney Todd,” back in 1981. And, it seemed as if everyone in attendance on Friday was there even if just to get a glimpse of Lansbury. Her career has endured and delighted many times over. Well-established in films, it is the unexpected success of her show on TV and her triumphs on stage that have endeared her to audiences.
Lansbury considers this play “one of the best parts I have had in theater.”
Written by English playwright and actor Noël Coward “Blithe Spirit” was subtitled,” an Improbable Comedy.” According to author Barry Day in his work, “The Letters of Noel Coward,” Coward wrote the play in less than a week. “Blithe Spirit” debuted in the summer of 1941 at London’s Piccadilly Theater. Despite the depressed circumstances of World War II, Barry also pointed out that the play remained at Piccadilly for almost 2,000 performances, outlasting the war.
Even as a period piece the audience that Friday night was able to understand Coward’s wit and humor. Opening night for Blithe Spirit at The Golden Gate the week before, The San Francisco Chronicle said “the laughs flow easily.” Director Michael Blakemore made sure each of the characters got featured well; each understood by the audience and each interacting seamlessly with one another.
Why I mention this is because apart from ghosts appearing, there is not much action, at least not for a contemporary audience very accustomed to fast action on TV. This play leans more on banter and chat to reveal the plot.
While spiritualism seems to be the focus of the play, the actual theme according to Day is Coward’s view of love and marriage.
Even though attitudes about marriage have changed over the years, the basics about falling in love and staying in love are the same. Even if presented in a very English setting, a house in the country with a cook and a maid, the play has a familiar resonance. Thanks to TV’s current hit Downton Abby on PBS, many people are accustomed to watching the interior life of English well-to-do people unfold. Coincidentally, Charles Edwards who plays Charles Condomine is also a member of the cast of Downton Abby now in its fourth season.
His presence helps draw people in. His debonnair charm coaxes more to understand the reason for his two wives. Or, rather, why one wife died and the current one is curious about the former. The maid played by Susan Louise O’Connor was comical and had the audience laughing even when she simply walked into the room. Even so, with its English mannerisms and Coward’s clever dialog, the audience followed “Blithe Spirit” along eagerly. But, undoubtedly, definitely it is Lansbury that everyone wanted to see.
The San Jose Mercury News said of Lansbury, “not only is Lansbury a comic delight in this Tony-winning performance but knowing that this is her final tour makes the whole production burn a tad brighter than it might have.”
Amazing was the fact that Lansbury appeared on stage that evening much as she did on TV in her long-running series “Murder She Wrote.” Her energy was uplifting and many people could be overheard during intermission, saying how at age 89 she has not slowed down. Her presence actually pushed the dialog along and the audience applauded each time she appeared. Lansbury mentioned in previous interviews that she enjoys getting out on stage in a role she is very happy to be in. The character of spiritualist Madame Arcati was not the lead. Yet Lansbury gave the play/plot the boost it needed to keep the audience interested. Not to take anything away from the fine production managed by John M. Atherlay; with good stage design, (by Simon Higlett) costumes by (Martin Paklendinaz), lighting, (by Mark Jonathan) and sound and special effects, (Ben and Max Ringham) to keep a-live audience seated for almost three hours is not easy.
As said before, it was a full house, and the line for refreshments and bathroom were long. Yet, everyone managed graciously, which was noteworthy since most in the audience are well accustomed to home-theater conveniences. Everyone enjoyed the play and was pleased to be there.
“Blithe Spirit” has Noël Coward’s witty words, and outstanding cast. Yet it is definitely a vehicle for Lansbury who did not disappoint, not even for a minute. Leaving San Francisco on February 1, Lansbury and the “Blithe Spirit” cast and crew will continue on to Toronto and Washington, where the tour will end with a run at the National Theatre from March 17-29.
