By Staff
"Bell, Book and Candle," a three-act play by John Van Druten, opens Friday night at the recently refurbished Beckwith Theatre.
The title refers to items used in an old method of ex-communicating those who appeared to be in league with the devil.
The Beckwith will present the original stage production of Van Druten's long-running 1946 play.
The play was made into a movie in 1958 starring James Stewart and Kim Novak.
It is Christmas Eve in New York.
Gillian Holroyd (Stephanie Hollenbeck Skinner), a witch, is bored with her life and wants something "different."
She settles on Shep Henderson (Jeff Gunn), a writer living in the apartment above her.
She uses her charms, some of which are not fair, to seduce him.
Things get complicated because witches are unable to fall in love, and Shep is engaged to be married.
Throw in a mischievous aunt (Pat Sanders), a devious sister (Emily Gunn) and a drunken, nutty writer (Mike Wells) and you have a cauldron full of fun.
This spellbinding comedy opens March 23 and runs the 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st and April 1.
The March 25 and April 1 productions are 2 p.m. matinees. The other shows start at 7:30 p.m. Call 782-ROLE (7653) for reservations.