Mercyhurst Theatre Premieres “Spirits Off,” A Hauntingly Hilarious New Comedy

The Mercyhurst Theatre Program proudly presents the world premiere of “Spirits Off,” a sharp and spirited new comedy.

Conceived by award-winning playwright and historian Dr. Mary Barile—whose past adaptations for the Mercyhurst Theatre Program include “A Dickens of a Carol” and “Anne of Green Gables”—and co-written with program director Dr. Brett D. Johnson, “Spirits Off” was created specifically for the Mercyhurst stage.

Set in 1950s Erie and inspired by the true story of the Fox sisters, “Spirits Off” follows a self-proclaimed medium and her ragtag team of assistants as they stage elaborate séances for the wealthy and gullible. But when an influential widow arrives with a hard-nosed skeptic and a spiritually attuned actress in tow, the evening takes an unexpected—and hysterical—turn. Tambourines float, ectoplasm flies, and the line between performance and the paranormal begins to blur in this fast-paced theatrical farce.

“The Fox sisters remain at the center of so many mysteries and arguments that Brett and I began to wonder how they were doing in the next world,” said Barile. “What might happen if they finally grew tired of the legends and lies that swirled around them? It’s been fun—and a bit creepy—to hang out with Maggie and Katie.”

“‘Spirits Off’ embraces the theatrical trickery of a staged séance and the human longing to connect—with the beyond, and with each other,” said Johnson. “It’s a story about hucksters and hopefuls, skeptics and showmen, and the ever-shifting boundary between illusion and truth.”

Johnson leads a creative team that includes scenic designer Tucker Topel, lighting designer Madeleine Steineck, costume designer Kim Brown, production stage manager Mekenzie Rowland, and assistant stage managers Lydia Kopp, Sophia Schrader, and Kenzie Soety.

The production features nine talented Mercyhurst students: Noah Beiter, Haven Bills, Connor Clark, Abby Craig, Kat Kanazin, Bella Mitlo, Johnathon Morvay, Eric Page, and Zack Yeager.

Performances will take place in Taylor Little Theatre on the Mercyhurst University campus. Showtimes are Thursday, Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 3, at 11:55 p.m. (a special midnight performance); Saturday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.

Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and non-Mercyhurst students, and $5 for youth and Mercyhurst students with ID. A $2.50 per-ticket processing fee applies to all orders, regardless of purchase or payment method.

All performances are general admission. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain.  

Tickets may be reserved online at miac.universitytickets.com, by phone at 814-824-3000 (Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 5 p.m.), or in person at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center box office. Tickets will also be available at Taylor Little Theatre beginning 90 minutes before each performance.

For more information, visit https://miac.mercyhurst.edu/events/emerging-artists.