High Spirits: The 60th Anniversary Concert of an Improbable Musical Comedy is presented January 6 at 7 PM at 54 Below with a live stream option also available.
The cast is led by Tony winner Judy Kaye (The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!) as Madame Arcati and Tony nominee Christine Andreas (On Your Toes, Oklahoma!) as Elvira.
The duo is joined by MAC Award winner Ann Kittredge (A Christmas Carol, King David) as Ruth, Tony nominee Walter Willison (Grand Hotel, Two by Two) as Charles, Nicholas B. Cloutier as Mr. Bradman/Bob, Jaxon McKay as Rupert, Zoe Parrish (Zombie Musical) as Mrs. Bradman/Jackie, and Jimmy Award finalist Sophia Tzougros (Nine in Concert) as Edith/Beth with special guest star Adrienne Angel from the original 1964 Broadway cast of High Spirits, now a noted vocal coach.
Based on Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit, High Spirits opened on Broadway in 1964, with a book, music, and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray. The original cast also featured Beatrice Lillie, Tammy Grimes, Edward Woodward, and Louise Troy, with Coward directing. The work received eight Tony nominations, including Best Musical.
High Spirits follows mystery novelist Charles Condomine, who gives a séance to debunk the high-spirited medium Madame Arcati. Condomine's plan backfires when the ghost of his first wife is conjured, much to the disdain of his current wife.
The concert is produced, directed, adapted, and hosted by Willison, who appeared in the 1965 West Coast premiere of the work. Music direction is by James Woods, with costume coordination by Mitchell Bloom.
Visit 54Below.org for tickets.