42nd Street Moon Presents HIGH SPIRITS Opening 3/21

42nd Street Moon proudly presents High Spirits, the musical version of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit, opening March 21 and running through April 12 at the Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street in San Francisco. As previously announced, it replaces The Baker's Wife, which will be presented next season.

High Spirits, with a book, lyrics and music by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray, adheres closely to Coward's original text, which was about a man who is haunted by the mischievous spirit of his dead wife. The playwright was delighted with the adaptation, and agreed to direct the Broadway show, which starred Edward Woodward, Louise Troy, Tammy Grimes and Beatrice Lillie. The show garnered eight Tony nominations in 1964, and proved to be Ms. Lillie's final Broadway appearance.

42nd Street Moon's production will star Megan Cavanagh, of Moon's production of Out of This World, and the TV series Exes and Ohs, in Lillie's role of the eccentric medium, Madame Arcati. Michael Patrick Gaffney, last seen in the company production of Coco, is the harried Charles Condomine; Maureen McVerry, who also appears in the upcoming Wildcat is his current wife Ruth, while Dyan McBride, who appeared as Venus in Out of This World and Flora in Flora the Red Menace, will play Charles' ghostly former wife Elvira. Others in the cast are Derek Collard, Katie Dederian, Giana DeGeiso, Rudy Guerrero, Carly Ozard, Justin Torres and Rena Wilson.

Moon's Founding Artistic Director, Greg MacKellan will direct, and Dave Dobrusky holds the reins as musical director, with Nick DiScala accompanying on woodwinds. Tom Segal will choreograph, Ellen Brooks will serve as lighting designer, and Louise Jarmilowicz as costumer.

The company presents two low-priced previews of High Spirits on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20 at 8 pm, with the Opening on Saturday, March 21 at 6 pm. Patrons may enjoy a post-performance discussion with the director and the cast after the Sunday matinees on March 22 and 29. A special family matinee is offered on Saturday, March 28 at 1 pm. All performances take place at the Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson Street. For tickets, call 415/255-8207 or visit www.42ndstmoon.org.

42nd Street Moon celebrates and preserves the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre, contributing to its evolution and continuing vitality by presenting staged concert performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. Through productions, educational programs, and community outreach, the company is committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage. Since 1993 the company has staged more than 90 musicals, as well as several revues celebrating the dazzling legacy of the 20th Century's greatest musical theater composers and lyricists.

HIGH SPIRITS
By Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray
Based on Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit
Directed by Greg MacKellan

Tickets: $24 - $42
Venue: Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson St.
Box Office: 415/255-8207 (Open Tues. - Fri. Noon to 5 pm and Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm during production) or www.42ndstmoon.org