The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln opens its 2016 spring season with the Noel Coward comedy “Blithe Spirit.” The production is directed by Virginia Smith, professor of theatre and film and head of the directing program.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 3-5 and March 9-12. There is also a matinee show at 2 p.m. on March 13. All performances will take place at Howell Theatre in the Temple Building, 12th and R streets.

Written in 1941, “Blithe Spirit” struck a chord during the world-weary times emerging from World War I and the start of World War II. It is combination drawing-room comedy and ghost story intended to divert its audience through a bit of silliness wrapped in an otherworldly plot.

The play centers on the writer Charles Condomine (undergraduate Hunter Mruz) who invites outlandish medium Madame Arcati (undergraduate Amy Almond) to his home to conduct a meeting as part of research for his new book. In the process Condomine’s ex-wife Elvira (undergraduate Abbie Austin) is brought back to life. Elvira is passionate about wanting to stay with Charles and does everything she can to get rid of Charles’ current wife Ruth (undergraduate Brenna Hill). Another meeting is held in attempt to get rid of Elvira, but that conjures up even more hilarious consequences.

A play about the supernatural incorporates a wide variety of special effects from the sound and lighting designers (staff member Jeff O’Brien and graduate student Maxx Finn, respectively) working with the scenic designer (undergraduate Gabriella Doan), the properties master (graduate student Lisa Haldeman) and the technical director (undergraduate Dani Mader). Audiences can expect slight of hand and levitating tricks that make objects move seemingly on their own. Graduate student Haley Williams designed the costumes. The stage manager is undergraduate Matt Knight.

Additional cast members are undergraduates Emma Fisher (the maid), Steven Lang and Ciara Hergott (Dr. and Mrs. Bradman).

Tickets are $18 general admission; $16 faculty, staff and senior citizens; and $12 students with identification. Tickets are available from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays at the Lied Center Ticket Office, 301 N 12th St. and one hour prior to curtain in the Temple Lobby. Tickets are also available for purchase by calling 402-472-4747 or 800-432-3231, and online at http://unltheatretickets.com.

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