Watch Phillipa Soo Sing 'Was She Prettier Than I?' in Encores! High Spirits

The rarely produced musical version of Blithe Spirit continues at the Manhattan venue through February 15.

February 13, 2026 By Andrew Gans

It's almost Valentine's Day so why not celebrate by watching a musical about a man fighting the ghost of his dead wife? The New York City Center Encores! staging of the rarely produced musical High Spirits continues its limited engagement at the Manhattan venue through February 15. Watch Hamilton Tony nominee Phillipa Soo, who plays Ruth, sing "Was She Prettier Than I?" in the video above, and read reviews for the production by clicking here.

The cast features real-life husband-and-wife Soo and Steven Pasquale (The Bridges of Madison County) as Ruth and Charles Condomine, who hold a seance that goes awry when the ghost of Charles' dead first wife, Elvira, is summoned. Tony winner Katrina Lenk (Company, The Band's Visit) plays Elvira.

The cast also includes Tony winner Andrea Martin (McNeal) as Madame Arcati, Rachel Dratch (POTUS, SNL) as Edith, Campbell Scott (House of Cards) as Dr. Bradman, and Jennifer Sánchez (Real Women Have Curves) as Mrs. Bradman.

Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo) is directing and Ellenore Scott is choreographing, with musical director Mary-Mitchell Campbell leading The Encores! Orchestra. '

The ensemble includes Brandon Block, Delphi Borich, Marcus Byers Jr., DeMarius R. Copes, Deanna Cudjoe, Lili Froehelich, Katie Griffith, Benjamin Howes, Caroline Kane, Ross Lekites, Devon McCleskey, Michael Pesko, Jeremiah Valentino Porter, Sean Stack, Halli Toland, Kamille Upshaw, and Kristin Yancy.

WATCH: See Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale Perform 'Where Is the Girl I Married?' From High Spirits at New York City Center

Adapted from Noël Coward's Blithe Spirit, the 1964 musical features a score by Hugh Martin and Timothy Gray. The original Broadway production was nominated for eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

This production also has a concert adaptation by Billy Rosenfield, along with scenic design by David Zinn, costume design by Jennifer Moeller, lighting design by Bradley King, and sound design by Megumi Katayama.

The Encores! season will subsequently continue with productions of The Wild Party and La Cage aux Folles.

Casting for the Encores! season is by The Telsey Office.

Tickets are on sale at NYCityCenter.org.