“Bell Book And Candle” at First Avenue Playhouse

The author assumes, according tonew York Times, "... that a few modern people can cast spells and perform feats of supernaturalism. Gillian Holroyd, of the Murray Hill district, cast a spell over an unattached publisher, partly to keep him away from a rival and partly because she is attracted to him. He falls head over heels in love with her at once, and wants to marry her. But witches, unfortunately, cannot fall in love, and this minute imperfection leads into a number of difficulties." Ultimately the lady breaks off with her companions in witchery, preferring the normal and human love offered her by the attractive publisher, Shepherd Henderson, but before the happy conclusion of the romance, Gillian comes very near losing him -- but doesn't.