The Oswego Players are in the middle of rehearsals for Noel Coward’s classic, oft-revived “Blithe Spirit.” This play, written in 1941 and first presented in London’s West End, is full of classic memorable characters. This “an improbable farce in three acts” features both a physic medium and maid. These two characters are portrayed by two incredible actresses, the physic medium by experienced longtime Player’s member and the maid by an enthusiastic teenager.
Karla Chandler-McCord is proud to be working with Oswego Players for her second season. Last year, Karla returned to Oswego Players after a 28-year absence. Karla said her return to the Oswego Players was a happy one; “I love the Oswego Players. I have extremely fond memories of working with the Players in 1990’s. They are cherished memories of mine.” Karla acted in memorable productions such as “Play On” in 1994, “Belles” in 1995, and “The Lion in Winter” in 1996. Karla and husband Gerald moved back to Oswego after she retired from working as gardener at Brooklyn’s Botanic Garden.
Karla plays the iconic role of Madam Arcati in “Blithe Spirit.” When asked about her role in the upcoming production, Karla explained, “It is a great part. I love that I get to use my comedic timing and my quirkiness. It has been so fun to embody this classic character.” Karla enjoys the process of working with director Troy Pepper. “Troy has been so wonderful to work with. He is a great director. Every rehearsal we get right down to business. Troy knows exactly what wants and has lovely vision of this play.”
For those who have not seen “Blithe Spirit,” Karla describes Madam Arcati as “a women who takes herself very seriously. She is confident in her own skin. She does not care if others view her as odd. She grew up around mediums since she was a little girl. The world of physic mediums is her world; it is her normal.”
Another member of the fabulous “Blithe Spirit” cast is Cindy Robbins. Cindy is fourteen years old and is about to enter Oswego High School as a freshman. Cindy says that her favorite activities are acting, writing, figure skating and drawing. In terms of writing, Cindy likes to write poems, short stories, and songs. Cindy discusses her songwriting process; “I play guitar a bit and that helps me in song writing. My favorite song writers are Alex G, Mitski, and La dispute.” Cindy also wants people to know that she is working on the Aspire three in figure skating.
“Blithe Spirit” is Cindy’s second production with the Oswego Players. She was last seen as Hermia in this Spring’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” She explained how different it was working on her second show with the Players; “I have learned that each director has a different style of directing. The first Player’s director I worked with, Norman Berlin, gave me a lot of freedom in terms of character and movement on stage. While working with Troy, he has an ultimate image of what “Blithe Spirit” is. Troy is a good director; he creates a strong collaborative environment.”
Cindy plays Edith, Mr., and Mrs. Condomine’s maid. Cindy describes her character as “a young lady who does not say much. She is person who answers questions straight and right to the point. She is energetic and runs a lot. I am having a fun time running in and out of every scene.” When asked what her future aspirations were Cindy believes “I would like to become a teacher at this point. I am not ruling out becoming an actress and being on Boadway.” She also said that she would like to “learn how to be a director and lead a high school drama club.”
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 are from left to right, Edith played by Cindy Robbins and Madam Arcati played by Karla Chandler-McCord.