February 21, 2025 - March 9, 2025
BLITHE SPIRIT
Written by Noel Coward
Directed by Ken Michels
Casting completed by Circle of Fire Theatre
Blithe Spirit is a sparkling comedy of errors where the living and the dead collide with hilarious consequences. When a hapless novelist invites an eccentric medium to his home for a séance, he unwittingly conjures the ghost of his first wife, a vivacious and manipulative spirit. As the spectral ex-spouse wreaks havoc on his current marriage, the ensuing chaos and witty banter create a whirlwind of laughter and confusion. With sharp dialogue, unforgettable characters, and a touch of the supernatural, Noël Coward’s classic play is a timeless and uproarious delight.
MEET THE TEAM
Jason Gingold (Charles) holds an MFA from UW, has acted on both coasts, and is the Managing Director of Circle of Fire Theatre. He recently appeared as Anthony Reilly in Outside Mullingar (BPA/Circle of Fire), Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (BPA), David Bliss in Hay Fever (InD Theatre), and Charlie in The Foreigner (As If). Jason would like to thank the three greatest ones of all - Molly, Sadie, and Charlie. I love you, my loves.
Molly Hall (Ruth) has been a theater artist all her life, as an actor, choreographer, educator, and now as the proud Artistic Director of Circle of Fire Theatre. Favorite roles include: Rosemary, in Outside Mullingar (BPA/Circle of Fire), Kate, in Dancing at Lughnasa (SSR), and Judith Bliss in Hay Fever (InD Theatre). She is thrilled to be doing this show with so many beloved friends. Special love to Jason, Sadie, and Charlie, the lights of her heart.
Talena Laine (Elvira) is overjoyed to be returning to SSR! Back in 2018, you may have seen her on this stage as Kate in The Taming of the Shrew or Catherine in Proof. Since then, she’s been all over the city, recently performing as Sally Bowles in BPA’s Cabaret and completing her directing debut with inD Theatre’s Men on Boats. Next up, catch her as Plankton in SpongeBob the Musical at BPA! Dead or alive, all her love to Reed.
Cindy Giese French (Madam Arcati)
Christopher Puckett (Dr. Bradman)
Colleen Gillon (Mrs. Bradman)
Josephine Cessna (Edith) is an actor, costume designer, and artist from Bothell, Washington. She recently graduated from CWU with a BA in Theatre Studies. Acting credits include Jenna in Colder Than Here, Love in Everybody, and Big Stone in Eurydice. Special thanks to Molly and Circle of Fire Theatre for including her in this hilarious show. Lots of love to Seamus and her family.
Ken Michels (Director)
Seamus C. Smith (Assistant Director/Stage Manager) is an actor, director, and stage manager from Bothell with a BFA in Theatre Performance from CWU. He is excited to be involved in his first SSR production and first official Circle of Fire show. Stage managing credits include: Three Musketeers (ICCA), Cry it Out (As If), Tribute Time Machine (Historic Everett Theatre). Up next he’ll be playing Hal in Proof with inD Theatre this May. Much love to Josephine. @seamusshamrock
Jenny Dreessen (Costume Coordinator) has had fun dressing up all these beautiful people. Her last co-costuming show was Little Women at Kitsap Forrest Theater where she got the new skill of sewing hoop skirts with, oh, so many gathers! She also played Marmee in the production. She can hardly believe that the last time she was on the SSR stage was twenty years ago in My Fair Lady.
Mark Chenovick (Set/Light/Sound Designer) is elated to be working with Circle of Fire Theatre to bring Blithe Spirit to the SSR stage. Mark also serves as managing artistic director of SSR. Blithe Spirit will be his 86th Mainstage production at SSR. Special thanks to SSR executive director, and wife, Jen. All the love to McKenzie and Miles.
Marianna de Fazio (Dialect Coach) coaches dialects at many local theaters, high schools and colleges, as well as individuals for audition prep. She also coaches Accent Modification and Presentation Prep for professionals across industries. You can catch Marianna on stage herself in Letters from Max, playing at Seattle Public Theater this March. Thank you for supporting live theater!! mariannadefazio.com
Blithe Spirit
Online Tickets: $30 (inclusive of all fees)
Box Office Hours: two hours prior to every performance. Please email boxoffice@secondstoryrep.org for all other inquiries. We can be reached on performance days at 425.881.6777.