High Spirits

High Spirits es un musical con libro, letras y música de Hugh Martin y Timothy Gray, basado en la obra Blithe Spirit de Noël Coward, sobre los problemas de un hombre causados por el espíritu de su esposa fallecida. Martin y Gray se adhirieron estrechamente al texto original de Coward, aunque expandieron el personaje de la médium para convertirlo en el rol protagónico. El dramaturgo quedó encantado con su adaptación, entonces titulada Faster Than Sound, y aceptó dirigirla él mismo. Productions The musical opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre on April 7, 1964, and closed on February 27, 1965, after 375 performances and 14 previews. Gower Champion aided Coward in directing the musical.Fred Werner was music director, scenic and costumes design were by Robert Fletcher, lighting design was by Jules Fisher, and Tammy Grimes' costume was by Valentina. The production was nominated for eight Tony Awards, but did not win any. Other major musical nominees that same year (1964) were Funny Girl and Hello, Dolly! and most major Tony wins went to the latter. Originally, Coward had mentally cast Keith Michell as Charles, Gwen Verdon as Elvira, Celeste Holm as Ruth, and Kay Thompson as Madame Arcati, with Bob Fosse as director. Coward's dream cast failed to materialize, but he continued with the project.