Jessica Callan is a newcomer to the Mesquite Community Theatre stage and to Virgin Valley Theatre Group productions.  Callan just landed the role of Edith in ‘Blithe Spirit,’ VVTG’s first show of the 2016-17 season.  Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Jessica Callan is a newcomer to the Mesquite Community Theatre stage and to Virgin Valley Theatre Group productions. Callan just landed the role of Edith in ‘Blithe Spirit,’ VVTG’s first show of the 2016-17 season. Photo by Teri Nehrenz

The Virgin Valley Theatre Group held auditions for the first show of the 2016-17 season, ‘Blithe Spirit,’ on Aug. 22 and 23 at the Mesquite Community Theatre.

The show, which will be directed by Glen Bjornson, with the assistance of Diana McKinney, is set for 11 performances Oct. 6 through 22 at the Mesquite Community Theatre, 150 N. Yucca St.

Performances will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. with two Sunday matinee performances on Oct. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.

Blithe Spirit is a comic play by Noël Coward. The play concerns the socialite and novelist Charles Condomine who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his annoying and temperamental first wife, Elvira, after the séance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles’s marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear the ghost.

Chad Calmelat will be playing the lead role of Charles Condomine in Virgin Valley Theatre Group’s first production of the 2016-17 season, ‘Blithe Spirit.’ Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Chad Calmelat will be playing the lead role of Charles Condomine in Virgin Valley Theatre Group’s first production of the 2016-17 season, ‘Blithe Spirit.’ Photo by Teri Nehrenz

Chad Calmelat, who has appeared in numerous roles for the VVTG, has landed his first lead role for the VVTG as Charles Condomine. Bjornson said, “The play is really all about Charles. Every other role, although important to the storyline, is a supporting role. Whoever gets that role will have to be a strong actor.”

Two newcomers are being brought on the stage. Jessica Callan will be playing the part of Edith the maid and Shannon Hall will be playing the part of Charles’ second wife Ruth Condomine.

Denis Feehan and Miriam Samuels will be playing Dr. and Mrs. Bradman. Kathy Bussman has accepted the part of Elvira, and Teri Nehrenz will play the role of Madame Arcati.

The theatre group will need backstage volunteers and ushers for the season. If you are interested in participating or for ticket information, contact them at vvtgnv.com or call 702-305-3738.