‘Bell, Book’ casts spell on audience
“Bell, Book and Candle” is enchanting.
The Star Bar Players’ smart new production of John Van Druten’s classic romantic comedy hits all the right notes between silliness and tenderness. It’s a great kickoff to the theater company’s new season.
The plot is the old “witch hexes man to fall in love with her; man is really, really upset when he finds out.” (Van Druten’s play was made into a 1958 movie starring Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart.) But director Mark Hennessy and an excellent five-member cast also bring out the play’s serious undertones, without which the play would drag over its nearly three-hour length.
A major reason for the success of “Bell, Book and Candle” is the presence of Lisa and Chad Siebert, who recently moved to Colorado Springs from Los Angeles.
Lisa Siebert is wonderful in the Hamlet-sized part of Gillian the witch. The witches and warlocks in Van Druten’s play are completely self-centered — “Saints love everyone, with no thoughts for themselves,” Gillian says; “We’re just the opposite” — and Siebert makes a beautifully modulated transition from cool control to a bundle of nerves, unable to hide the new emotions she feels.
Her performance is a lesson in focus. There’s never a moment’s doubt about what’s going on in her mind, even when she’s not the center of attention.
As Gillian’s brother, the warlock Nicky, Chad Siebert is a whirlwind of narcissistic energy. The character thoroughly enjoys his supernatural powers, and Siebert thoroughly enjoys his role.
As Queenie, the play’s other witch, Clemie Cyburt also exudes pleasure with her powers.
The way in which these characters take the supernatural for granted helps bring the audience into their world. When Gillian gives Queenie a scarf, Queenie excitedly asks, “What does it do?” and can’t hide her disappointment when she learns it’s just a scarf.
The human characters aren’t overwhelmed in the supernatural. Jude Bishop gives a terrific comic performance as Shep, the man Gillian chooses to have fall in love with her. He’s especially good in a scene in which he calls his fiancée to break off the engagement, without preparing his explanation.
And David Mason is perfect as Sidney, the hard-drinking author who cluelessly brags about his ability to spot witches and warlocks — to a group of witches and warlocks.
The cast seems larger than it is, as if everyone’s on the way to a party or just returning from one. And a pair of offstage characters — Shep’s fiancée, Merle, and Madame de Passe, a rival witch — are vividly drawn.
“Bell, Book and Candle” isn’t a profound work, but the endearing characters, sharp writing and sensitive acting make for an excellent night at the theater.
The Star Bar Players may be the Rodney Dangerfield of local theater companies, one flop away from extinction, but for the past several seasons their best productions have equalled those at Theatreworks and the Fine Arts Center.
details
“Bell, Book and Candle”
When:
8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays (except Nov. 5), 2 p.m. Nov. 13; through Nov. 13
Where:
Lon Chaney Theater, City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St.
Tickets:
$15; 573-7411
