By Ryan Leeds
Even supernatural beings—much like actual houseguests—can overstay their welcome. Such is the case with the New York City Center Encores! revival of High Spirits.
Real-life married couple Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale bring playwright Noël Coward’s fictitious couple, Ruth and Charles Condomine, to life, leading a notable cast including Campbell Scott, Rachel Dratch, Andrea Martin, and Katrina Lenk.
Hugh Martin, best known for composing the score to Meet Me in St. Louis, collaborated with Timothy Gray for music, lyrics, and book to adapt Noël Coward’s play Blithe Spirit. The pair was uncertain that the playwright would grant his blessing on their project, so they wrote it on spec. Not only did Coward approve, but he embraced it, directing two productions in 1964: first on Broadway, then in the West End.
A seance gone wrong (and long)
Sensibilities were different in the 60s, along with longer attention spans. Perhaps audiences were able to endure the lengthy but simple story about Madame Arcati (Andrea Martin), who arrives at the posh Condomine home for a whimsical seance only to conjure the ghost of Charles’ deceased wife, Elvira (Lenk).
A bitter rivalry between Ruth and Elvira ensues, and despite everything within her power, Arcati cannot send Elvira back to the other side. By contemporary standards, the frothy comedy could easily be wrapped in 90 brisk minutes. Thank goodness for Martin and Dratch, who steal the show with their much-needed comic relief.
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Hugh Martin and Gray’s score isn’t terribly memorable. Still, with its lush overture, entr’acte, and a few standout songs, audiences may wax nostalgic for a time when Broadway musicals didn’t skimp on their orchestras. Music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell brings it to glorious life with 29 musicians, prominently perched above the action.
High Spirits opened the same year as Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl, but it was overshadowed on Broadway’s biggest night, when it failed to win any of its eight Tony Award nominations. The show is innocuous enough, but like a friendly ghost, it can exist without being seen.
2 out of 5 stars
It wants better content.
Fast facts: ‘High Spirits’
A stellar cast, including Andrea Martin and Phillipa Soo, can’t quite revive this charming but creaky 1960s relic that overstays its spectral welcome.
- New York City Center, 131 West 55th Street, New York City
- Notable cast members: Phillipa Soo, Steven Pasquale, Katrina Lenk, Rachel Dratch, and Andrea Martin
- Running time: Two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission
- Performances through February 15, 2026
