Dan's Papers - May 29, 2009 - Bay Street Theatre Set to Enchant and Bewitch

Bay Street Theatre's first production of the summer asks the question, "How much are you willing to change for the one you love?" Bell, Book and Candle, which refers to an archaic method of excommunication, is a lighthearted spin on the phrase's darker original meaning. Starring a mischievous, young witch and her attractive, straight-laced neighbor, the play was the inspiration for the long-running TV series, "Bewitched." It was also made into a film in 1958 starring the famous Vertigo couple, Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart. Unfortunately for the witch, but fortunately for the viewer, her neighbor is already engaged. Foul play ensues. An unexpected, romantic twist makes it thoroughly delightful.

It is precisely this delicious wickedness that attracted the Bay Street team to John Van Druten's play. Bay Street artistic director Sybil Christopher described it as a fantasy that is somehow grounded, with fanciful characters caught in difficult situations. She believes the final product will be positively "enchanting." According to Christopher, Bay Street chose to open the season with this play to give the summer a "shape" - as they do every season. Whether the theater-goer knows it or not, the intention is to take the audience on a journey of sorts. Easing into the season with this lighthearted but biting romantic comedy, Bay Street will then take audiences to a darker place with Dinner, a black comedy about revenge, before ending the season on a gentler, more uplifting note with Dames at Sea.

Tony-award-winning director, Jack Hofsiss, will direct this year's opening summer production. Hofsiss has an impressive resume with Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Obie and New York Drama Critics Awards, not to mention a Tony for Elephant Man. His film/TV credits include I'm Dancing As Fast As I Can with Jill Clayburgh, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Jessica Lange, and The Oldest Living Graduate with Henry Fonda.

Once again, Bay Street presents talented, award-winning actors. Arija Bareikis (TV's "Southland," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Without a Trace") plays the scheming witch, Gillian Holyroyd and Sam Robards (Broadway's The 39 Steps, Tony nominee in The Man Who Had All The Luck, and TV's "Gossip Girl") is her object of affection, Shepherd Henderson. Matt McGrath (Broadway's Cabaret, A Streetcar Named Desire and film Boys Don't Cry) is cast in the role of her brother, Gordana Rashovich (Master Class and TV's "The Wire" and "Mad Men") is her aunt, and Jarlath Conroy (Broadway's On the Waterfront, The Iceman Cometh, The Seagull) plays Sidney Redlitch, the meddling witch expert.

The production team has decided to stay true to the time period of the original play, and they're having a lot of fun with 1950s clothes, hairstyles and interior design. Bay Street's own Gary Hygom (Tommy, Limonade Tous Les Jours and Hair) is the set designer. Also on the team are costume designer Toni Leslie-James, lighting designer Paul Miller, sound designer Jill B.C. DuBoff, prop designer Kathy Fabian, production manager Chris Clark and casting director Cindy Tolan.

Not to raise any hopes, but the final product may include a live cat. The lead actress happens to have a sweet and docile feline, but allergy issues may make his participation too difficult. Whatever the solution, Bay Street is sure to come up with something that lets the play shine best.

Bell, Book and Candle previews Tuesday, June 2 through Friday, June 5, with opening night Saturday, June 6. The shows run through June 28. Purchase tickets online at www.baystreet.org, by calling 631-725-9500, or at the Box Office.