The McNeese Theatre Bayou Players will open the fall season with "Blithe Spirit," a high-spirited classic comedy by Noel Coward. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 6-11, with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, Oct. 12, in Ralph Squires Hall of the Shearman Fine Arts center.

"Blithe Spirit," under the direction of assistant professor of performing arts Lewis Whitlock III, tells the story of a recently remarried novelist who holds a séance in his home to get ideas for a new book. The medium instead conjures the spirit of the novelist's first wife, who intervenes on his marriage. When the second wife dies and comes back as a spirit, the action is non-stop as the ghostly wives turn the peaceful, sedate household into a merry-go-round of unexpected events. The production has been designed and lighted by assistant professor John Abegglen.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens, youth in grades K-12 and McNeese faculty and staff. Students are admitted free with a current ID. Season subscriptions, which offer four shows for the price of three, are available through "Blithe Spirit" production dates. The McNeese Theatre Box Office, located in SFA, will open on Monday, Sept. 29. Office hours are 6-8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

For more information or to make reservations, call 337-475-5043.