The Oswego Players are hard at work on their Fall production, “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward. “Blithe Spirit” has been a smash comedy hit on London and Broadway stages, this much-revived classic from the playwright of “Private Lives” offers wit, conflict and big laughs as a fussy, cantankerous novelist finds himself haunted by the ghost of his late first wife. This ionic play contains a married couple who are friends of Charles Condomine. These two characters are the skeptical doctor played by a newcomer to the stage and his impressionable wife played by a lovely character actress.
Arlo Olson is a complete newcomer to the Frances Marion Brown Theatre stage. “Blithe Spirit” is Arlo’s very first production onstage. Alro plays the part of Dr. Bradman in “Blithe Spirit.” When asked about why he audition for his first show, Alro said, “I went to auditions with my girlfriend Chole. I decided to tag along with her. I thought why not audition for this classic play.” Arlo is enjoying the process of working with his fellow cast members, “This is a new experience for me. Being on stage has presented a huge learning curve but thankfully Chole has been able to help me. The cast has been wonderful to work with, and they are a solid ensemble.”
Alro has had a wonderful experience working alongside director Troy Pepper, “Troy is an extremely experienced director. I have really benefited from Troy’s guidance and his ability to bring the best out of his actors. Since this is Troy’s second time directing “Blithe Spirit,” you can tell he has been thinking about how to revive this play for long time. He is very passionate about his vision for “Blithe Spirit.” He is really going for some inventive, creative ideas.”
Alro explains that Dr. Bradman is a complete skeptic. “He is a trained medical doctor. He does not believe in any of the paranormal or supernatural events that occur during the play.” Alro also discussed the differences between him and Dr. Bradman;” I am skeptical like Dr. Bradman. However, I am more open to the possibility of the paranormal than he is. Dr. Bradman has some fun interactions with Madame Arcati, the psychic medium. It has been incredibly fun to work with Karla as Madame Arcati.”
Another member of the fantastic “Blithe Spirit” cast is Jennifer Waugh. She is the proud mother of three incredibly talented children. She started acting in community theater upon moving back to the Central New York area almost seven years ago. Throughout her time in theater, she has participated in numerous plays and musicals. Among her favorite roles were being in the ensemble of “Grease” and “Elf, The Musical,” playing the part of Lucille in “Dearly Departed,” and bringing to life the character of “Candy” in the inaugural run of the play “Candy!” Jennifer was last seen in the “Birthrite,” one of the four prize winning plays produced in March as part of Fourth Annual Don McCann Memorial Playwriting Showcase.
Jennifer plays Violet Bradman, the wife of Dr. Bradman in “Blithe Spirit.” Jennifer describes her character as “a women who is the most likely to believe in ghosts. She is the person most excited to be a part of the séance. She seems to be a very impressionable women, easily swayed by Madame Arcati eccentric antics.” Jennnifer also says that Mrs. Bradman is like other roles that she has portrayed previously. “Mrs. Bradman is happy go lucky person which is what I specialize in playing.”
Jennifer explains what the process has been like working with director, Troy Pepper, and her fellow actors, “It has been a great first time working with Troy as an actress. I have never acted in one of his shows before and I am enjoying our progress. Troy really knows how to support his actors and actresses. He knows exactly when to stop a scene and start talking to us on how to improve the scene. My fellow actors have been wonderful to work with. I have never acted alongside most of them before.”
Performances of “Blithe Spirit” will run Fridays through Sundays, September 5th, 6th, and 7th and September 12th, 13th and 14th. Friday and Saturday performances will start at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for students. Tickets are currently on sale now at oswegoplayers.org/productions or by calling the theatre’s box office at (315) 343-5138.
“Blithe Spirit” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
This project is made possible through the CNY Arts Grants for Regional Arts and Cultural Engagement regrant program thanks to a New York State Senate Initiative supported by the NYS Legislature, the Office of the Governor and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.
For more information and ticket sales please go to https://oswegoplayers.org/ or for phone reservations please call the Box Office at 315-343-5138.
Pictured from left to right, seated Mrs. Bradman played by Jennifer Waugh and standing Dr Bradman played by Arlo Olson.