Guys and Ghouls

Gloria Clark, wife of Aussie musician Peter Clark, hosted a Halloween-birthday bash at Tydes at the Coral Casino.

The sunset soirée feted three locals who were celebrating birthdays – Condor Express owner Hiroko Benko, TV host Joyce Shaar and realtor Diana MacFarlane – with other guests including Arlene Larsen and Ginni Dreier.

Magic Castle emcee Luca Ellis crooned, appropriately enough, Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft” tableside.

Broom with a view…

Seeing Ghosts 

British playwright Noel Coward stands the test of time as was amply shown by the Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group’s production of Blithe Spirit at the Garvin Theatre.

The 80-year-old World War II work, directed by R. Michael Gros with impressive scenery by Patricia L. Frank and costume design by Pamela Shaw, has lost none of its quick-fire humor over the decades.

Leslie Ann Story as the dotty medium Madame Arcati and Leesa Beck as the ghostly late wife Elvira, who is accidentally conjured up during a seance, were perfect for their roles in the two and a half hour show.

The production runs through October 26.