PRESS RELEASE BLITHE SPIRIT

February 17, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media Contact: Kelsey Bye | 510-926-0688 | kbye@@beniciatheatregroup.org 

BENICIA THEATRE GROUP TO CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY  

WITH THE RESURRECTION OF CLASSIC COMEDY “BLITHE SPIRIT” 

Benicia’s award-winning community theatre has proudly served residents of Benicia, Solano County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area since 1964 

BENICIA, CALIFORNIA (01/29/24)– The Benicia Theatre Group is thrilled to announce its 60th-anniversary celebration with a special revival of Noël Coward’s timeless comedy, “Blithe Spirit.” This iconic play, which first graced the BTG stage in 1983, will be resurrected to captivate local audiences once again.   

“Blithe Spirit” centers around novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium Madame Arcati to his house to conduct a séance. Unfortunately for Charles, the ghost of his dead first wife, Elvira, appears and a series of hilarious and supernatural events ensue. “We are excited to bring back this beloved classic as part of our 60th-anniversary festivities this Spring,” said Kelsey Bye, a member of the Benicia Theatre Group’s Board of Directors. “It’s an opportunity to recognize and honor our past work, but also to bring it into the future and reprise it for a new generation to enjoy.” 

Benicia Theatre Group (formerly known as the Benicia Old Town Theatre Group) is an award-winning non-profit community theatre organization, run entirely by a group of dedicated volunteers. Operating out of the historic B.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall on West J Street, BTG has produced 116 plays in downtown Benicia since 1964, making it one of the oldest community theatres in California. 

Clinton Vidal, a former Board Member for the Benicia Theatre Group and long-time volunteer at the theatre, will be directing this production of “Blithe Spirit.” “Noel Coward’s plays are notable for the crisp dialogue and sharp wit of his characters,” said Vidal. “First produced in 1941, Blithe Spirit is a classic comedy that is still widely produced. I look forward to a fun time with this show.”  

This is the 7th production Vidal has directed for Benicia Theatre Group. The Assistant Director for “Blithe Spirit” will be Matthew Goff. 

Upcoming Events: 

AUDITIONS: February 12th and February 13th by appointment only starting at 7pm. Please contact info@beniciatheatregroup.org or call (707) 746-1269 to secure an audition timeslot. Callbacks will be on February 15th. The location will be 140 W J St, Benicia, CA 94510. No monologue is required. 

60th ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER: Benicia Theatre Group will host a 60th Anniversary bingo fundraiser on March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day) at “The Chill” wine bar located at 362 1st St, Benicia, CA 94510. The games begin at 2pm.  

SHOWTIMES: “Blithe Spirit” will run from April 19th – May 12th (Mother’s Day). Friday and Saturday shows start at 8pm. Sunday matinees start at 2pm. 

Don’t miss this enchanting opportunity to experience the laughter and charm of “Blithe Spirit” as the Benicia Theatre Group celebrates 60 years of theatrical excellence. Join us for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, camaraderie and a touch of the supernatural. 

Tickets can be purchased online https://beniciatg.booktix.net or by phone (707) 746-1269. 

 

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BENICIA THEATRE GROUP 

Benicia Theatre Group was established in 1964 as Benicia Old Town Theatre Group and has been a constant source of live entertainment in Benicia and the surrounding communities ever since, establishing it as one of the oldest community theatres in California. The mission of the Benicia Theatre Group is to promote community theatre in the city of Benicia, Solano County and the surrounding communities by providing a wide variety of high-quality theatrical entertainment. We also strive to promote training in all aspects of theatre arts, allowing aspiring performers and behind-the-scenes volunteers to learn, practice and perfect their crafts.