Bell, Book And Candle Reviews
LA Weekly- Somewhat Recommended
"... The duo fares better in Act 2, when Geer's character, having something to conceal, is presented with a real conflict. The flames of passion between them never flare, however, adding another deficit to the production. William Bradley does a respectable turn as Gillian's mischief-making brother, while both Mary Jo Catlett as her dippy aunt and Benton Jennings as a nosy writer rely on comedic shtick."
Backstage- Somewhat Recommended
"...The performers work hard to evoke laughs, and each has moments to shine. Yet the narrative tends to meander, and the production lacks a sufficient sense of urgency, so van Druten's themes of loneliness and human fragility don't come to fruition. Geer is a resourceful actor, capturing Gillian's brittle sophistication and her befuddlement at experiencing human emotion. But the script offers little support in making her dilemma meaningful or worthy of empathy. Newcomer has fun with straight-arrow Shepherd's bewilderment as the character grapples with sudden passions he can't comprehend. There are delightful supporting turns by Bradley and Catlett, whose giddy enchantress is tickled pink that society doesn't know about her powers. Jennings is funny as the alcoholic writer who believes witches lurk around every corner. Israel's incorporation of a few bars from Rodgers and Hart's lovely ballad "Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered" is a sweetly nostalgic touch. "
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...Directed with flair, energy, and polish by Richard Israel in his first Colony assignment, Bell, Book, And Candle makes for two of the freshest, funniest, and downright sexiest hours of romantic comedy around town."
StageHappenings.com- Somewhat Recommended
"...Bell, Book and Candle was a play written in 1950 by John Van Druten and first performed on Broadway in 1951 starring Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer. Columbia Pictures produced it in 1958 starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs and Hermione Gingold, a potent cast to be sure. It has its moments of humor and of course was a charming vehicle then. But today, I believe audiences will find it much less magical and enchanting than it was over fifty years ago."