Bell, Book & Candle
by John Van Druten
Directed by Gary F. Bell
Stray Dog Theatre
December 5, 2024
Claire Coffey, Liz Mischel
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre
Stray Dog Theatre is offering another offbeat show for the holidays, closing out their 2024 season with John Van Druten’s classic supernatural rom-com Bell, Book & Candle. A story about a New York City witch who falls in love with an “ordinary” guy, this play was an acknowledged influence on the hit TV show Bewitched, and this show has some of that whimsical tone that viewers of that sitcom might recognize, although there are several obvious differences. Here on stage at Tower Grove Abbey, director Gary F. Bell has made some clever choices in staging, as well as featuring a strong cast and well-orchestrated production values, making for a lively, often hilarious staging.
In the first act, we are introduced to Gillian Holroyd (Claire Coffey), an elegant, sophisticated witch who manages a New York City apartment building. Her mischievous Aunt Queenie (Liz Mischel), also a witch, also lives in the building and has been causing trouble for their neighbor, young publisher Shepherd Henderson (Joel Wilper). Gillian finds Shep attractive, and contemplates a romantic adventure, but it’s not supposed to be serious because witches aren’t supposed to fall in love. Gillian promises to introduce Shep to a popular writer, Sidney Redlitch (Gary Wells), who writes about magical happenings but doesn’t seem to understand what’s really going on, and Gillian’s troublemaking brother, Nicky (Victor Mendez) soon becomes involved, teasing Gillian about Shep and promising to “help” Redlitch with his book. Shenanigans ensue, of course, but Gillian soon finds more than she bargained for, as she grows closer to Shep and more at odds with her friends and relatives in her secretive community. There’s a lot in the way of mixed motives, whimsical pranks, and unexpected reactions as the disparate characters become involved in hilarious clashes, schemes, misunderstandings, and surprises, with Gillian herself getting perhaps the biggest surprise of all.
The tone here is whimsical and upbeat, for the most part, with an arch upper-class 1950’s tone that works well with the story, accentuated by impressive Mid-Atlantic accents from most of the cast. The costumes, lighting, set, and sound are all used in creative ways to enhance character development and story. Bell’s marvelously detailed set, with scenic painting by Jude Hagene, adds much in the way of atmosphere and Mid-Century New York sophistication with an air of quirkiness and mystery. There’s also excellent lighting by Tyler Duenow and sound design by Justin Been that add to the overall atmosphere, and the costumes by Colleen Michelson are a work of art in themselves, from Aunt Queenie’s and Nicky’s more colorful, whimsical attire to Shep’s more toned-down but also stylish outfits, to Redlitch’s rumpled look, and especially the succession of ensembles worn by Gillian that change in tone, color and style over the course of the play reflecting changes in her character and situation. It’s an impressive technical effort that adds to the overall emotion and whimsicality of the show.
The cast is excellent, with all the performers well-chosen for their roles. Coffey as Gillian has the most character development, and she plays the changes well, from confident, sophisticated, and worldly, to somewhat bewildered. Her growing relationship with Wilper’s goofily charming Shep is thoroughly believable. There’s also excellent support from Mischel as the sweetly wacky Aunt Queenie, Mendez as the mischievous Nicky, and Wells as the rumpled, eager but somewhat clueless Redlitch. There’s also a memorable feline performance from Agatha Coffey as Gillian’s magical cat, Pyewacket. The energy levels are lively, the pacing is spirited, and the tone is an appropriate blend of goofy comedy and mid-century sophistication and quirkiness.
I hadn’t seen this play before, although I had heard of it, and I’m glad SDT’s version has been my introduction to this wacky, occasionally risqué, and ultimately sweetly romantic story. The “witchcraft” in the story often serves as a metaphor for any kind of offbeat or artistic nature or way of living, and there is a bit of a conformity message that may register differently with modern viewers than it would have in the 1950’s, however. Still, it’s a fun show, with a great cast, and a whimsical “holiday” show for Stray Dog Theatre.
Victor Mendez, Claire Coffey, Gary WElls, Joel Wilper
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre
Stray Dog Theatre is presenting Bell, Book & Candle at the Tower Grove Abbey until December 21, 2024