The Madison theater community has been treated to a bit of wit and charm with the Madison Repertory Theatre’s premiere of its latest production, Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit.” The classic comedy of “high spirits and high farce” opened Oct. 25 to a large crowd at the Madison Civic Center’s Isthmus Playhouse.

Written by one of the masters of modern comedy, in Britain in 1941 at the height of World War II and the European Nazi invasion, as a contribution to the war effort, “Blithe Spirit” tells the story of Charles Condomine and his bouts with his living and deceased wives. This is a comedy about death and making light of the inevitable outcome of war-torn Europe.

Charles, a novelist, has fallen short of ideas for his newest work and invites an eccentric spiritual advisor named Madame Arcati to his home to perform a séance in order to get some ideas. Unbeknownst to Charles, Madame Arcati, his wife Ruth and the rest of his guests, the séance works and contact with the spirit world ensues.

Charles’ deceased first wife, Elvira, comes back to “haunt” him, and a witty and chaotic power struggle between Elvira’s ghost and Ruth plays out.

Coward’s sophisticated script was able to overcome the fear and rage that consumed Europe, if not the world, during the chaos of World War II. In the words of Madison Rep. artistic director Richard Corley, “‘Blithe Spirit’ is a particularly vivid example of how artists transform the madness around them … into the soul-cleansing sound of laughter.”

In every way, “Blithe Spirit” succeeded. The show itself started out reasonably slow, but with good reason, since the remainder of it was performed at full force. Introducing the characters and their reactions toward each other made for laughter from the audience from the very start.

Ruth, the classy and sophisticated second wife thoughtfully questions her husband about the beauty and charm that was his first wife, Elvira. As they await their guests — the Bradfords (played by Gerard Dedera and Laura Whyte), another classy and wealthy couple — their maid Edith scampers around with liquor and appetizers. The couples gossip about the spiritual medium that will accompany them and, of course, how lovely they themselves are for inviting her into their home.

Kristen Kehl, playing Edith, added a subtle-yet-important touch to this production. Instead of a stage-crew set change between acts, she went around tidying up and fetching more wine and sandwiches, walking as her elegant and arrogant boss, Ruth, had instructed her to do.

Cindy Gold as Madame Arcati, the stereotypical psychic, was perfect for her role as well. Throwing herself about while possessed and acting a little weird around the edges, Gold succeeded in transforming a rich man’s house into a complete upheaval.

John Wojda performed wonderfully as Charles, milling about with his cigarettes and martinis and having an out-of-body experience with the emergence of not one but two of his wives.

And Denise Poirier, playing Ruth, encompassed what a high-class, rich English woman should be — self-centered, egotistical and wearing the latest designer clothing.

Without a doubt, though, the darling of this production was Jennifer Rohn as Elvira, the saucy and sarcastic ghost. Her naughty and provocative antics toward Charles when Ruth was not near proved to be some of the most charming moments in the show.

Charles being the only character able to see Elvira made for a wonderful comic scene in the second act, with Charles arguing with someone seemingly not there and Ruth wondering whether or not her poor husband had gone mad. The audience could not help but laugh as pure chaos broke loose.

Rohn, almost resembling Tinkerbelle in her sparkling blue gown and silver shoes, was glowing in her role, spunky and seductive, all the while getting exactly what she wanted — her husband’s attention back.

This cast of characters worked incredibly well off of each other’s energy. The second act flew by, and the third was a pure ball of energy. Having charisma with each other invited the audience into the story, and it was easy to get sucked into the banter between these characters.

Their silliness and sass was addicting. The homey atmosphere of the Isthmus Playhouse, along with the sweet set adorned with striking floral wallpaper and a baby grand piano, only added to the audience attraction of this production.

The ending somewhat tumbled, although it was not disappointing. Realistically, the actors had nowhere to go because the third act was so energetic and chaotic that nothing but a calming end would work.

Ruth and Elvira were simply stunning in this final act, with Charles spitting his way to understanding what had occurred in his house. Without a doubt, the Madison Repertory Theatre has another hit on their hands, with “Blithe Spirit” one of the wittiest and charming shows this season.

“Blithe Spirit” plays at the Isthmus Playhouse at the Madison Civic Center through Nov. 17. Student tickets are half-price with valid student ID.