Can Witches Fall in Love?

Bell, Book, and Candle, a comedic fantasy written by John Van Druten, takes place in a bewitching New York City apartment in the 1950s. The set design and script do not present this decade very well, but seem more up to date with modern times. The time period is not very apparent with modern home decorations, and therefore, one may assume the story is set in the present. The "magical" love story unfolds in Gillian Holroyd's apartment during the Christmas season. Aside from the Christmas tree, strange worldly knickknacks, a liquor bar, and comfy couches adorn the room. Curt Tomczyk, set designer, makes the well-lit living room and bay window very inviting to the small audience of twenty.
Living above Gina G. Lawrence, who plays the part of Gillian, is Shep Henderson, performed by Will Sanders. Lawrence successfully shows her enormous desire to win over Sanders's love with her obsessive listening to his footsteps above her, and casting spells on him. Even Lawrence's Aunt Queenie, played by Jan Doub Morgan, who also lives in the same apartment complex, sneaks into Sanders's apartment and snoops around, or taps his phone line. Another member of the spooky family is Nicky, performed by Eric Corley, who also aids in the capture of Sanders's love. Together, the three witches meet and exchange presents, focusing on conversation about Sanders. The play's action unfolds as a magic spell is placed on Sanders and one on the famous author, Sidney Redlich, performed by Pepper Jobe.
The play continues with a drawn out series of dramatic moments within the spellbound love affair, the upcoming marriage, and the publication of Sidney's book on witchcraft. The audience is able to live inside the home of a life "lived by shortcuts," and an inescapable magic spell.
A memorable acting job was that of Jan Doub Morgan, portrayed as an aging witch, stuck in her ways. Her long pointy nose and brilliant gold hat and costumes, designed by Ida Bostian, add so much credibility to her character. Her voice is stingingly high-pitched and adds a piercing effect of her being up to no good. She seems so mischievous and does an excellent job being genuinely two-faced.
Eric Corley performs his part as a cocky little warlock who is always up for a sneaky trick. He shows how much he enjoys his status as a male witch, and uses a smart-aleck tone and a bit of humor when describing his non-existent sex life.
Lawrence's performance is also a memorable one. She does an excellent job making the audience believe she possesses magic, but her love for Sanders does not seem believable. Whenever he can't get enough of her, she acts so distant and un-interested. At the story's beginning, she states that, "she knew the second she saw him" that he was the one for her, but then she doesn't respond well to him later on. Gina is remarkable when acting angry at Nicky, and most of her emotions seem realistic.
The part of Shep Henderson was perfectly cast. He first appears as a shy, self-involved guy, with a mysterious, attention-drawing quality. As the spell is cast, he becomes more open and lively, showing his undying love for Lawrence. His innocent personality is not lost throughout the story; through his lines, he continuously reminds the audience that the spell is what tricked him.
While watching the play, forty minutes passed that only feels like ten. The story seems to be heading nowhere at certain times. The actors work very well together on stage, as their witty actions and gestures are natural and in some cases, like they are really comfortable with each other, as comfortable as family.
The special effects of the play are rather interesting, notably the live cat, Samsonite, the fire used in the magic tricks, and the sound of clanging metal when Samsonite gets angry. Behind the stage is a crash box, the object in charge of the "accident" rumble. Also, during every magic scene, with the snapping fingers of a witch, the lights flicker and a jingling tune is heard on cue!
To entertain yourself with a magical evening, make sure to attend this performance. The remaining shows are the 11th-14th, and 17th-21st, every night at 8:00 pm, and Sunday matinees at 3:00 pm.