Theatre Association of NYS Lauds Oswego Players production of “Blithe Spirit”

by Contributor | September 27, 2025 9:35 am

OSWEGO – Oswego Players have found remarkable success with their classic productions in the past and “Blithe Spirit” is no exception. Written in 1941 by Noel Coward, “Blithe Spirit” remained the longest-running comedy in British Theatre for years.

The Players fourth production of their 87^th season, “Blithe Spirit” has been given four awards by TANYS.

These awards are based on three separate designations: Meritorious Achievement, Excellence and Outstanding Achievement. Meritorious Achievement: Demonstrates evidence of advanced theatrical ability. Excellence: Demonstrates theatrical skill base not routinely noted in non-professional theatre. Outstanding Achievement: Demonstrates theatrical skill base rarely seen in non-professional theatre.

“Blithe Spirit” brings an eccentric spiritualist medium into the home of novelist Charles Condomine, conjuring up the ghost of his first wife, Elvira and leading to a series of hilariously otherworldly complications. As the humorous chaos unfolds, the playwright deftly mixes sharp wit with spectral hijinks, creating an enduring favorite. Coward’s play is a spirited charade about a man with two wives, one dead and another alive.

The production received several accolades from adjudicators of the Theater Association of NYS (TANYS).

• Excellence in Acting to Nolan Callahan for the portrayal of Charles.
• Excellence in Acting to Chloe Hill for the portrayal of Ruth.
• Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Troy Pepper
• Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Acting to the Cast.

Paul Nelson, vice president of Adjudication Services for TANYS announced that the awards will be presented at the Annual TANYS Festival in November.

Formed in 1987, when the New York State Theatre Festival Association (NYSTFA) merged with the New York State Community Theatre Association (NYSCTA), the mission of TANYS is to foster the contribution of theatre to the lives of the citizens of New York State, promote high standards of theatre practice through education and example, and encourage exchanges of information and knowledge through people-to-people and theatre-to-theatre interactions.

“We are thrilled that the fall production was honored with these prestigious awards from TANYS,” said Oswego Players President Tammy Thompson. “It is extremely rewarding to know that the passion and dedication that goes into our productions is appreciated.”

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/entertainment/theatre-association-of-nys-lauds-oswego-players-production-of-blithe-spirit/

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