Review by Joe Siegel

If you’re looking for a love story tinged with a touch of the supernatural, then “Bell Book and Candle” is for you.

This production by The Arctic Playhouse boasts superior performances and solid direction by Jay Burns (“Lend Me a Tenor”).

Marisa Brown plays Gillian, a witch who casts a spell over her handsome tenant Shep (Mike Petrarca). Shep calls off his engagement and proposes marriage to Gillian.

Meanwhile, Gillian’s sister Nicky (well-played by Angelina Manfredi) develops a bond with visiting author Sidney (Paul Oliver). Nicky and Sidney collaborate on a book about witchcraft.

After Gillian vows to stop Nicky’s book from being published, Nicky promises to tell Shep that his girlfriend is really a witch. How will Shep react to the truth?

Brown (“Laughter on the 23rd Floor”) believably conveys Gillian’s selfishness by manipulating Shep as well as her sense of torment when she realizes what she may have lost. Gillian wants love but goes about finding it in absolutely the wrong way. She’s the villain and the heroine in this tale.

Petrarca, most recently seen in “Whiskey,” gives his strongest performance to date as a man being manipulated by a woman. Shep loves Gillian, although he doesn’t really comprehend why. We know he’s been put under a spell even though he has no awareness of it at all. It’s a challenging role for any actor and Petrarca effortlessly shows Shep’s confusion, sense of longing, and charm.

Sandi Nicastro (“Flamingo Court”) is amusing as Gillian’s eccentric Aunt Queenie, also a witch. Queenie sashays around in a series of eye-popping dresses, courtesy of costume designer Nancy Spirito.

Lloyd Felix’s set design serves the story beautifully. Gillian’s apartment features eclectic artwork and decorations, suiting her personality.

“Bell Book and Candle” debuted in 1950 and was adapted into a motion picture in 1958. The writing is very intelligent. Playwright John Van Druten respects his characters and allows them to be rational even while making irrational decisions.

The choices Gillian makes not only impact her own life, but Shep’s as well. These two people enjoy a relationship based on an illusion. It’s an intriguing dilemma we can apply to ourselves. Do you want someone to love you for who you really are? Or how you present yourself?

You know a story like this is working when you are cheering for the lovers to be together in the end. I was cheering for Gillian and Shep. The performers made this romance a delight.

Bell Book and Candle runs through September 13. The Arctic Playhouse. 1249 Main St., West Warwick, RI. Runtime is 2 hours with intermission. For tickets, call 401-573-3443 or visit thearcticplayhouse.com.

The cast of Bell Book and Candle. Courtesy of Sandy Smith.