TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama department of theatre and dance presents “Blithe Spirit” April 24-29 in the Marian Gallaway Theatre in the UA theatre district.

The comedy, written by Noel Coward, tells the story of a man who invites an eccentric medium to his English estate to study the power of the paranormal. However, the medium actually conjures up his deceased first wife. The man tries everything within his power to stop the deceased wife’s incessant haunting before she does real damage to him or his second wife.

Originally produced in the Gallaway Theatre in 1961, “Blithe Spirit” is part of the celebration of the Gallaway’s 50th anniversary revisiting classics of the theatre’s past, including the recent productions of “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Threepenny Opera” and “Our Town.” Alumni are invited to attend the April 28 performance and a private post-show reception in the Johnson Room, where they can meet with the current student actors and artists.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 through Saturday, April 28, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 29. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for UA faculty, staff and seniors, $8 for students, and group rates are available for parties of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the box office in Rowand-Johnson Hall noon - 5 p.m., or by calling 205/348-3400.

Prior to each performance and during intermission, patrons can have their cards read in the T. Earl Johnson Room for a $5 donation. Proceeds will go toward scholarship funds.

The department of theatre and dance is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest public liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the “USA Today” Academic All American Team.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state’s economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state’s flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.