Bell, Book and Candle is Spellbinding by Caitlyn Schaap
Volcano Theatre Company premiered their first show of the 2017 season April 8, presenting John VanDruten’s “Bell, Book and Candle.”The show, directed by VTC veteran Patti Fredericks, is a delightful, romantic comedy following a young witch, Gillian (Cydney Mulally), unlucky in love and restless in life. With an unrequited crush on her neighbor, Shep Henderson (Andrew Mees), Gillian decides to take matters into her own hands, and, with the help of her eccentric aunt, flamboyant brother, and strangely magical cat, Pyewacket, she concocts a love spell to win Shep’s affections. But, is Gillian willing to lose her witchy ways if she falls in love, as the old witches tale suggests?
Based on a successful Broadway play and a subsequent film, starring Kim Novak, Jimmy Stewart and Jack Lemmon, this bewitching comedy is a great story to begin with. Adding the talented cast of actors only adds to the fun.
Mulally gives a knockout performance as the female lead, capturing the audience from the first lines of the show until the final lights dimmed. At her side is VTC veteran Andrew Mees, who delivers another great performance in his 12th show with the company. Mees’ charisma and comedic skill is apparent, as well as chemistry he shares with his costar.
The supporting stars are show-stoppers as well, with standout performances delivered by the hilarious Kathleen Rich, James Whaling and Theresa Hawk.
It’s a rare occurrence that there is such an incredibly talented cast that both works together so well, and plays to each actors’ greatest strengths, but “Bell, Book and Candle,” is such a flawlessly cast gem, with each actor elevating the performances of each costar, that the success of the show is truly spellbinding.
Elevating the performance further is a beautifully-decorated set and eye-catching costumes, making the whole viewing experience immersive and truly joyous.
For theater-goers looking for and enjoyable and captivating evening, this one is a true must see.
This family-friendly production runs in the historic Cobblestone Theatre, Friday and Saturday evenings through May 7, with Sunday Matinees April 16, 23, 30 and May 7. Tickets are $18 for general and $16 for seniors, and are available online at volcanotheatre.net, or at Hein & Company Book Store, Main Street, Jackson. Don’t wait to conjure up your tickets, as seating is limited in the intimate Cobblestone Theatre, and this is a show you’re not going to want to miss.
