Celtic Folk, a Spirited Play and Cats at the Candlelight

Get Your Green On

Celtic folk group De Danann has been described as the “Rolling Stones of traditional Irish music” in part for its mix of traditional music with older forms and rock ’n’ roll. What other kind of band could get away with naming albums “Hibernian Rhapsody” and “Welcome to the Hotel Connemara?” See them Friday, March 18—just one night after the madness of St. Patrick’s Day—at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington.
De Danann formed in the early 1970s, released its first album in 1975, wracked a few gold and platinum discs, then broke up in 2003. The show at The Grand is part of its first tour since then. The lineup features founding members Alec Finn and Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh, as well as other Irish musicians who have played with them over the decades and as many flutes, fiddles and whistles as any Irishman can stand. This is a rare opportunity to see legend. For more, call 652-5577, or visit thegrandwilmington.org.

Spirited Acting

Does death part spouses? If you haven’t seen “Blithe Spirit” at the Delaware Theatre Company yet, by all means, do so. You have until March 20.

Noel Coward’s comedic play tells of socialite novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric Madame Arcati to his house to conduct a séance. Condomine hopes to do a little research for a novel about the afterlife, but instead is haunted by the ghost of his fiery first wife, Elvira, who then does everything she can to spoil Charles’s marriage to his second wife, Ruth.

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“It is a comedy, so the first thing I hope people will take away is just a good time, they’ve laughed a lot,” says director Domenick Scudera. (Check the video at delawaretheatre.org/video_blithe.php.) “But it is a play that’s dealing with another people’s lives: what happens after our lives. It does make you think about what the afterlife is like and what your relationships are with those that have passed on.”

This is Scuderi’s directorial debut at Delaware Theatre Company. The production stars Peter De Laurier as Dr. Bradman, a dinner guest, and his wife, played by Ceal Phelan; Sarah Doherty as maid Edith; Meghan Colleen Moroney as Madame Arcati; Beth Hylton as the spirit of Elvira; Christie Parker as wife Ruth; and James Michael Reilly as Charles.

Expect all the wit you should from Noel Coward, as well as a bit of insight and a levitating table. For more, call 595-1100, or visit delawaretheatre.org.

Cool for Cats

Yes, I’ll admit it: I’ve never seen “Cats.” It’s not like I haven’t had 30 years to do so. So if you’re like me, atone by visiting the New Candlelight Theatre in Arden this week to see the show, a winner of seven Tony Awards. This is the last week of its eight-week run. You’ll get all the costumes and song—and dinner, too. For more, call 475-2313, or visit nctstage.org.
 

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