10/06/2026
A big THANK YOU to The Atom for the terrific writeup! Be sure to catch Noel Coward's classic comedy, "Blithe Spirit," opening Friday! Tickets are available at the door and at catsplayhouse.ludus.com.
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
S. Shane Shelton is raising spirits at CATS Playhouse
L.A. | The Atom
CATS Playhouse opens “Blithe Spirit” this weekend, welcoming Lubbock audiences to join in the hilarious mischief of a happy Halloween season. Noël Coward’s 1941 comedy “Blithe Spirit” tells the light-hearted tale of novelist Charles Condomine, who accidentally sets off a paranormal rivalry when he and his wife, Ruth, participate in a séance. The spirit of his late first wife, Elvira, is resurrected and only Charles can see or hear her. The role of Charles Condomine will be played by S. Shane Shelton. Sade Velazquez will play Ruth Condomine, while Kate Lowry inhabits the role of Elvira’s ghost.
Shelton said he has enjoyed theatre since his very first role in Stanford-Fritch Junior High School’s production of “The last leaf” when he was 12 years old. Cody Duncan was one of his theatre teachers, directing several plays in which Shelton performed. Looking back at that experience, he said he is grateful for the formative influence Duncan’s guidance had on him as a young student. Now he is looking forward to bringing his newest role to life.
“This is probably the biggest role I’ve ever had, and it will probably be a favorite,” said Shelton.
After decades away from the stage, he said he became eager to continue his adventures in community theatre since being introduced to it in last year’s CATS Playhouse production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”
“Having to have the guts to walk into that audition was definitely a point of pride for me,” Shelton said. “I love that I get to play a character who is a writer and a creative type It gives me the opportunity to stretch my comedy muscles. I can have fun with it and the audience can laugh right along with us.”
He said it has been a joy rehearsing with Sade and Kate and the entire cast and crew under the direction of Chris Davis.
“This story is about the complicated side of relationships. The backstage jokes and comradery have made a big difference bringing it together. Chris Davis takes his passion for theatre seriously. He inspires the cast and gives us ideas in the character work,” said Shelton. “It can be an intense process because we are all invested in making it a great show.”
Local medium, Madame Arcati, is another entertaining character in this show, played by Mickie Klafka. The cast also includes Elyse Kuss, Kevin Devine and Casey Pugh. Kim Connell, Jared Robinson, Sarah Grace and Tyson LeMasters are some of the production’s behind-the-scenes contributors. Everyone is excited that it is time to invite the audience to opening night.
“Go easy on us because we are West Texans attempting British accents. That’s been a challenge, so we hope you’ll give us a little grace there,” Shelton said. “Come support community theatre and have a good time with us. We all know the past can come back to haunt you. For Charles Condomine, it literally does. Come see what happens!”
“Blithe Spirit” opens at CATS Playhouse Oct. 9. Evening performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9-10 and Oct. 16-17 and afternoon performances are set for 3 p.m. Oct. 11 and Oct. 18. CATS Playhouse is located at 2257 34th St. in Lubbock. Purchase tickets at https://catsplayhouse.ludus.com/index.php.
(Photo courtesy of S. Shane Shelton
