Reviewed by Tony Annicone
The current show at The Renaissance City Theatre; the producing entity of the Granite Theatre, is “Bell, Book and Candle” by John Van Druten. Gillian is a modern day witch, capable of conjuring and performing feats of black magic. When she casts a spell over bachelor neighbor in an effort to keep him away from her rival, he instead falls for the bewitching Gillian. Unfortunately for her, when a sorceress succumbs to the power of love, she loses her power of magic. And our lovesick necromancer is compelled to make a choice of her lifetime. This leads to a number of difficulties for both of them.The title of this play is a reference to excommunication which is performed by the bell, book and candle. It is opened with “Ring the bell, open the book and light the candle.” and closed with “Ring the bell, close the book, quench the candle.” Director Anna Convery picks a talented 5 member cast to play these madcap roles.
Anna brings clever insight into the comic situations. Pretty, vivacious Ricci Mann plays Gillian with a twinkle in her eye as she casts a magical spell on her neighbor. Her funny incantations and her relationship with her cat are very comical. Ricci’s sympathetic portrayal in the final scene is where she captures the hearts of the audience utterly and completely. Playing her madcap and daffy aunt Queenie is Beth Jepson. Queenie likes to snoop around Gillian’s upstairs neighbors apartment. Beth steals many a scene with her comic reactions to the events around her and in one scene where she unintentionally spills the beans. She dotes over her niece in the last scene. Her gorgeous gowns in this show are something splendid to behold.
Brian Olsen plays the hapless publisher, Shepherd Henderson who gets wrapped up with this pretty witch. His line delivery and facial expressions are wonderful as this unfortunate man who is supposed to marry Gillian’s college rival, Merle on Christmas Eve. Brian reminds the audience of Darrin from “Bewitched” as his confusion and bewilderment on the happenings around him occur magically. Warren Usey plays the mischievous brother, Nicky excellently. He magically turns the lights on and off, recites humorous incantations to make a phone malfunction and another so his aunt will blab a secret to Shepherd. He returns to the stage after a seven year absence. David Jepson plays the author, Sidney who is comically misinformed on witch’s behavior. He wants Shepherd to publish his book and Nicky decides to collaborate with him spilling some secrets that Gillian doesn’t want known. David is very funny in this role as he swills down many a drink and becomes afraid of Gillian’s wrath in the last scene. So for a funny comedy, be sure to catch “Bell, Book and Candle” which inspired the TV series “Bewitched” at Renaissance City Theatre before time runs out. Tell them Tony sent you.
BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE (12 to 28 October)
Renaissance City Theatre Co., Granite Theatre, 1 Granite St, Westerly, RI
1(401)596-2341 or www.granitetheatre.com
