FAIRHOPE, Alabama—Waiting for the dress rehearsal of “All Because of Agatha” to begin, I cautiously glance around inside the historic building which is home to Theatre 98. The play about to start features a haunted house, raising the scary thought: is there any chance this building has lingering spooks of its own?

First Baptist Church of Fairhope built the original edifice in the 1920s. Hopefully, any spirits from that time are friendly, hymn-singing folks. But what if there are revenge-seeking law-breakers, or angry employees, or disgruntled citizens left over from when Fairhope’s Satellite Courthouse occupied the place?

I plan to keep my guard up and my senses alert, just in case.

Meanwhile, the stage set before me looks inviting: a large, open room with warm browns and deep teals; built-in bookshelves around a fire-place; groupings of chairs, sofas, tables; not much clutter. No hints of haunting, past or present.

When the play begins, the pace is relaxed and the premise of the play is clearly introduced. You know to expect a paranormal experience eventually, but for now the 1960s setting and people are comfortable and normal.  Peter Goens and Brandi Sharpe play an attractive couple, Duff and Joan O’Hara, who decide to buy this Salem, Mass. home despite the realtor’s revelation of its history. Joan, in fact, relishes the thought of meeting Agatha Forbes, the ghost who returns to haunt this house every November in retaliation for being burned at the stake as a witch. Duff is dubious, but willing to humor his young wife.

As more characters are introduced, some seem dull (Dr. Randolph, played by Hal Knox), some seem annoying (Mrs. Boggs, played by Tricia Allen), and some are in-your-face (Thelma Breckenridge, played voluptuously by Carol Dunn). One comes across as cute and innocent (newspaperman Flip Cannon, played by Kevin Long), and another as pert and pretty (maid Ethel, played by talented high school student Jessica Brown).

All are being set up to be pawns used by the witch Agatha, but the audience hasn’t a clue how this will happen.

The relaxed pace gets suddenly shattered when dull Dr. Randolph’s far-from-dull mother bursts upon the scene. Madam La Solda (played superbly by Leslie Johnson) works her magic upon the audience with colorful dress, colorful language, and a commanding presence on the stage. To paraphrase a key line from the play: she comes, she is seen, and she conquers.

One may wonder how the witch, Agatha Forbes (played by Amie Millward), can possibly upstage Madam La Solda, but this is accomplished quite deftly by special effects, costuming, and bold acting. Director Lesley Anne Roberts has reached into her own bag of tricks to coach her cast into an entertaining ensemble. Production staff also did great jobs with the lights, sound, props, and costumes. Hold onto your broomsticks and enjoy the ride! 

Any lingering church mice or county clerks from bygone use of Theatre 98’s vintage building will be left chuckling and shaking their heads, all because of Agatha.

“All Because of Agatha” will run tonight, Friday, Oct. 18, through Sunday, Oct. 20 and Oct. 24-27. Showtime is 8 p.m. except on Sundays, when it is 2:30 p.m. Call for reservations at 251-928-4366.  Tickets are $18/adults and $12/students, and the theatre is located at the corner of Church Street and Morphy Avenue in Fairhope.