Bell, Book And Candle
by John Van Druten

Name: Bell, Book And Candle
Brand: John Van Druten
SKU: 9780822201045
Rating: 3.72 (259 reviews)

BroadwayWest End

Bell, Book And Candle Book Cover — Bell, Book And Candle Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

120 mins1950sInterior SetPeriod CostumesAmerican Comedy

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the charm and nostalgia of this classic play, often comparing it favorably to the movie. Many find the dialogue enchanting and the characters delightful, making it a great choice for community theater productions.

Charming and nostalgicEngaging dialogueDelightful charactersPerfect for community theaterSome find it dated and old-fashioned

Synopsis

For 3 males and 2 females.

Witch Gillian Holroyd casts a spell on publisher Shepherd Henderson who falls madly in love with her.

Because witches can not fall in love, Gillian must choose between the life of a witch or the life of a normal.

Press Reviews

"Mr. van Druten has devised an airy trifle for simple enjoyment."
— Brooks Atkinson, The New York Times

"Van Druten’s dialogue is witty and his characters are fairly nuanced. It's also interesting to note that he wrote the play at a time when witch hunts were happening in Washington, DC, with the House Un-American Activities Committee on the hunt for communists."
— Talkin’ Broadway

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Shepherd Henderson 35+, masculine, attractive	—	—	35+, masculine, attractive
Miss Holroyd Gillian’s eccentric Aunt Queenie	female	—	Gillian’s eccentric Aunt Queenie
Nicky Holroyd Gillian’s slightly younger brother	male	—	Gillian’s slightly younger brother
Sidney Redlitch 50s, disheveled, often drunk	—	50s	50s, disheveled, often drunk
Gillian Holroyd 27, petite, very attractive	—	—	27, petite, very attractive