Blithe Spirit was written by the great English playwright and actor, Noel Coward, and provided a much needed diversion from the horrors of World War II when it was first performed in London in 1941. 80 years later, it continues to delight audiences. We hope that presenting it during this pandemic will once again provide a much needed diversion where we can all once again share laughter together in public.

While the play is set in England, it could just as easily have been set in New York, LA, or yes, even in Baltimore. Indeed, you may notice that the actors are not speaking in an English accent. I did not feel there was a compelling reason to present this play with English accents. This is because the play touches on universal themes not wedded to a particular locale, such as jealousy, longing, selfishness, and hubris, and how humans possessing such flaws can be faced with unexpected dilemmas (which dilemmas are hilarious to us but not to them). For as someone once wisely said: life is what happens to you when you are busy making other plans. We all can certainly relate to that sentiment after our lives were all suddenly changed with the onset of COVID-19.

This play is universal in its themes and with some language edits, set and costume changes, could easily have been presented as a contemporary piece. But we must remember that some of the language comes from a different time that quite understandably may now be viewed by some persons as being offensive to certain ethnic groups. We were not permitted to delete that language, which is very unfortunate not only because we do not mean to offend anyone, but also because such language is not essential to the play.

COVID-19 Policy To ensure our patrons’ health and security, as well as the safety of our performers and volunteers, Miracle Players has implemented the following policy:: • Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 is required to attend our performances. • Patrons with a medical condition or a closely-held belief that prevents vaccination must provide proof of a recent (within 72 hours) negative COVID-19 PCR test to attend. • Masks are always required except when eating or drinking for all patrons regardless of vaccination status. • Ticket purchasers are responsible for communicating these requirements to whomever they provide tickets.