This December, the Stray Dogs will play host to three witches, two hapless humans, and a black cat… I mean, “familiar.”
Bell, Book and Candle, the 1950s supernatural rom-com sensation, is a classic story with plenty of Christmas magic (of the occult variety, that is). It was first performed on Broadway in 1950 and was later adapted into a hit film starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Jack Lemmon. Perhaps it’s best known as the inspiration for the campy, high-concept sitcom Bewitched.
The play opens with Gillian (Claire Coffey), a statuesque New York socialite with a stately apartment. She receives an unexpected visit from Shep (Joel Wilper), a tenant who has some serious issues with the lady upstairs. Strange noises and smells come from her room, and she was caught snooping around Shep’s apartment. How exactly did she get in?
It turns out that this lady is Gillian’s Aunt Queenie (Liz Mischel), who just happens to bustle in while the two are talking. Shep exits, flustered and bewildered, and Gillian’s mischievous brother Nicky (Victor Mendez) enters. With the square Shep out of the room, the flamboyant family begins to gossip… and do a little spellwork. It turns out that the three belong to New England’s hidden community of witches and warlocks, with a rich and illustrious history (going back at least as far as Salem).
The titular phrase – “bell, book and candle” – was used in excommunications. Witches, exiled long ago from mortal society, should have no desire to meddle in the affairs of ordinary men. But when Gillian learns that Shep is engaged to her college rival, she can’t resist herself. She casts a love spell on Shep, and the two spend a spicy Christmas Eve together. But love between witches and mortals is forbidden; is Gillian willing to forsake her people and give up her powers for a shot at true romance?
The three-act play is mostly driven by dialogue. If you’ve ever seen a fifties comedy, you might know what to expect – dry humor, fast-paced banter, a rather sophisticated vocabulary, and a deep focus on character development.
Gillian is a dynamic and instantly likable protagonist. At the outset of the play, she’s beautiful, haughty and at the height of her powers. By the third act, she’s reflective, vulnerable, and humble. Her chemistry with Shep is excellent, and their interactions feel entirely natural (even if they involve the supernatural).
Likewise, Aunt Queenie, Nick, and witchcraft “expert” Sidney Redlitch (Gary Wells) make for great comic relief. Wells, a newcomer to Stray Dog Theatre, doesn’t have many scenes, but he gets some of the biggest laughs out of all the cast. He plays Redlitch as a soused, self-proclaimed gumshoe for the occult. In truth, he would not know a witch if one was standing right in front of him (literally).
The entire play takes place in Gillian’s New York apartment, which is brought to life by superb set design. The bookshelves, the bar, the lamps and the sofas give it a cozy – yet classic – feel. Since there are no set changes and a relatively small cast of characters, scenes do tend to blend together. The story probably could be told just as well in two acts. That being said, I do appreciate an extra intermission – and a chance to sample the limited-time special cocktail, named after Gillian’s familiar Pyewacket. Special mention must be made of that cat (who unfortunately, is NOT credited in the playbill). The cat is adorable and incredibly well-behaved.
Bell, Book and Candle, directed by Gary F. Bell, runs from now until Dec 21st. Performances take place at Tower Grove Abbey (2336 Tennessee Ave.) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the Stray Dog Theatre website for $35 each. Students and seniors get a $5 discount. Why not buy a few for an early Christmas present? The show will be a holiday treat for the whole coven. | Rob Von Nordheim
