Blithe Spirit

Why you should see Blithe Spirit

Because even though it was written in 1941, the jokes will still make you (and your kids) laugh today.
Because scenic designer Ron Gasparinetti creates the most beautiful period interiors.
Because the San Francisco Bay Area Critics Circle has declared City Lights’ production a “Go See!” show.
Because who doesn’t love a good séance?

Synopsis

Like the mischievous ghost Elvira, Noël Coward’s 1941 comedy keeps coming back for a reason. The oft-revived Blithe Spirit, delightful as ever, takes up residence on the City Lights stage this spring. When novelist Charles invites the eccentric medium Madame Arcati over for a séance to help shake his writer’s block, she conjures up his late wife. And Elvira is happy to stir up a little trouble – especially with Charles’ current marriage.

Cast

*Member, Actors’ Equity Association

Resources

Show program
Highlights, a dramaturg’s guide
High-res publicity photos
Show press release

Details and special events

Blithe Spirit previews March 23 and 24, and runs through April 23. (No shows on March 26 and April 9.) Showtimes are Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. We would rate this show PG for some mature themes. Run time is about two hours and 45 minutes, plus one 15-minute intermission and one five-minute pause.

Tickets are $26-$54, with discounts available for students, seniors (65+), educators, and groups, and for military personnel. (There is a $2 surcharge for phone and in-person buys.)

Bring a group of 10 or more and get 25% off the face value of each ticket! The discount is automatically applied when 10 or more tickets are in the cart. (Contact the box office if group members are paying separately.)

Covid protocols:
If you are feeling unwell, please stay home, and don’t worry about your tickets. We’ll be happy to exchange them for another performance, free of charge. Masks are recommended indoors, except for mask-required performances on April 15, 20 and 23. We recommend but do not require the Covid vaccine. City Lights is a fully vaccinated company.  Learn more about our Covid-19 protocols.

Special events:
Thursday, March 23, 8 p.m.: Pay What You Can Preview Night. (Call the box office at 408-295-4200 to name your own price.)
Friday, March 24, 8 p.m.: Preview Night.
Saturday, March 25, 8 p.m.: Opening Night.
Saturday, April 1, 8 p.m.: See the show on this night, and 10% of your ticket will support Theatre Bay Area’s Lemonade Fund!
Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m.: Join director Mark Anderson Phillips and members of the cast for a free Zoom talkback! Learn more and sign up.
Thursday, April 13, 8 p.m.: Before the show, folks from our nonprofit partner Hunger at Home will give a brief curtain speech about their fine work. Today’s performance is dedicated to them.
Saturday, April 15: Mask-required performance.
Sunday, April 16: Join our director and cast for a talkback after the 2 p.m. matinee.
Thursday, April 20: Mask-required performance.
Sunday, April 23: Mask-required performance.

Parking and other info:
We are unfortunately unable to offer any designated patron parking for the theater. View a parking map of downtown San Jose to see your options for street or lot spaces. The closest city lot is the First Street and I-280 Lot, under the freeway.

The theater is wheelchair-accessible; book the ADA & Companion seats when buying tickets. If you need ADA parking in front of our glass doors, note that on your order during check-out, or email or call the box office (408-295-4200).

Due to the intimate size of our theater, we unfortunately are not able to seat late patrons. Thank you for your understanding.