MISCHIEF—Aaron Strange, a warlock, plots some magic with Sharon Gibson, a witch, in "Bell, Book and Candle" at the High Street Arts Center. Modern-day witches don't ride broomsticks, wear pointy black hats or stir strange brews in castiron cauldrons. According to playwright John Van Druten in "Bell, Book and Candle," witches (and warlocks) rent apartments in New York City, go to parties and night clubs, turn all the traffic lights green along Park Avenue for fun and—gasp!—may even fall in love.

The three-act play directed by James Castle Stevens, running at the High Street Arts Center, shows how the life of witch Gillian Holroyd (Dawn Notagiacomo) takes a turn when she has a fling with another tenant in her apartment building. Through her nosy Aunt Queenie (Sharon Gibson), Gillian learns that neighbor Shepherd Hendersen (Patrick J. Saxon) is engaged to be married to her college nemesis, Merle Kittridge.

Anxious to get revenge on Merle and too impatient to win Shep through seduction alone, she casts a spell on him through her medium, black cat Pyewacket (bravo to the production for using a real cat instead of a toy). Shep doesn't know why, but he suddenly forgets about the party where he was headed, leaps into Gillian's arms and forgets about Merle.

They have a pleasant time together—in fact, Shep is so infatuated that he neglects his friendships and business to stay with Gilliam. She's having fun, too, at first. Witches can have affairs but not fall in love—to do so means the loss of their powers. But Gillian's scheme takes an unexpected twist when she finds she truly wants to marry Shep.

Love doesn't come easy, not even to witches who can manipulate people and events. Gillian can't easily control her brother Nicholas Holroyd (Aaron A. Strange), a warlock. Nick is helping successful author Sidney Redlitch (Tom Puckett) write a book on the local witches' scene, as Nick is eager to share in the book's royalties. Gillian hasn't told Shep her true identity, and the book might expose her, so she stops publication. Enraged at this setback, Nick seeks to break up the romance.

When Shep learns of Gillian's spell, he feels humiliated and hurt. She wants him back—but another spell won't work. She must mend this relationship with something stronger, more powerful and lasting than magic.

Gibson and Strange are especially quirky and appealing in their roles: Gibson as the ditzy, well-meaning but fumbling aunt and Strange as the mischievous, roguish brother. Although they do well, they could push their characters further and make them even more eccentric.

The Shepherd character is written as straitlaced and ordinary. Apparently opposites attract, as Gillian is quite a free spirit.

When Gillian casts a spell, the production uses nice effects of lights dimming and thunder sounds to invoke a spooky mood. For a pleasant touch, the show could have used even more effects and music, such as romantic tunes when Gillian and Shep are together.

The play's title refers to an ancient act of excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church, in which a bell is rung, a book is closed and a candle is extinguished to signal a sinner's separation from the church. In the play, Gillian briefly states such items were used for exorcism.

The title seems a strange one for a lightweight romantic comedy, but perhaps the deeper meaning is that Gillian separates herself from the way she's always done things, her soul is not damned; rather, she finds happiness.

"Bell" was first staged on Broadway in 1950 with Rex Harrison and Lilli Palmer (the play was originally set in London). Older audience members may remember the 1958 movie starring Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart.

Running time is 2 hours, 40 minutes. The show continues through Nov. 16. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $8 to $15. For tickets, call the box office at (805) 529-8700 or visit www.highstreetartscenter.com.