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By PAUL GALLAGHER; Arts and Entertainment Editor
Thursday, November 10, 1994     Page: 6C

There’s an adage which states that any show which features either children
or animals will be a crowd pleaser. Often, the weaker the show, the more
attention is given to kids and animals.
   
Such is not the case with Showcase Theatre’s production of “Bell, Book and
Candle.” The Exeter group’s show is strong enough to equal the stage presence
of one of its cast members — a cat named Shakespeare, which does a star turn
in the role of Pyewacket the Cat.
    Though somewhat understated in general, the show is nevertheless
bewitching. That’s only natural: “Bell, Book and Candle” is a romantic comedy
about a witch who breaks from the pack and casts a love spell on a man who
piques her interest, only to lose her powers when she falls head over heels in
love herself.
   
Directed by Paul Winarski, the show features a cast of actors who have
nicely defined their roles and, while not always creating an ensemble
atmosphere, they seem to revel in their quirks. At times, blocking tends to
distract from concentration, particularly in the first act, in which the
characters seem to hardly be able to sit still long enough to establish a
presence.
   
As Gillian Holroyd, the witch who casts the spell over publisher Shepherd
Henderson, Shivaun Henahan produces the most restrained work. Yet there is a
natural, steady approach to her character which lends credence to her role,
adding a nice amount of depth.
   
Veteran musical actor Kevin D. Costley stretches his wings a bit in the
role of Henderson, a publisher who falls fast in love with Gillian, only to
learn that he’s been deceived into thinking his love was voluntary. Costley
shows some nice control as he shifts from one who’s blinded by love to one
who’s blinded by contempt.
   
As the warlock Nicky Holroyd, Wally Kulick tends to go over the top every
now and then, investing so much energy that his concentration seems diffused
at times. Yet Kulick, like others in the cast, usually maintains a
steady-as-she-goes approach that adds cohesion to the performance.
   
The show’s program notes state that Judith A. Fried is “truly a
character-actress (who is) a joy to watch.” That’s truth in advertising.
Fried, as the eccentric Aunt Queenie, brings with a flourish all the kookiness
of her character, without undermining the presence of others on stage.
   
Sam Troy plays the role of Sidney Redlitch, a gullible investigative writer
for whom mystics are a mystery. Chomping a stogie, wearing black-framed
eyeglasses and a bushy mustache, Troy is perfect as a Groucho Marx look-alike.
Is he funny? You bet your life.
   
Last but not least is the cat, Shakespeare: It performed purr-fectly.
   
The show continues Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13; performances are 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Call 654-2555.