NEW MILFORD — Theatreworks New Milford’s current production of John Van Druten’s Bell, Book and Candle is utterly charming in every way. This polished piece of old school theater, with its subtle humor, nuance and perfected special effects, has been gorgeously designed and directed by Joseph Russo.

Beautiful Gillian Holroyd, played oh so divinely by Jenny Schuck, is a bored witch. She lives alone in the great big city and yearns for some excitement to conjure up.

Lights on, lights off, blue lights, red lights… with a wave of her ballerina-like arm, Gillian can make most anything happen. Except true love.

Gillian tells her delightfully dotty Aunt Queenie (Jody Bayer) and gad-about-town brother, Nicky (Matt Austin), that she is enamored of the handsome young man in the upstairs apartment. As like-minded practitioners of witchcraft, they implore her to cast a spell.

Shep (James Hipp), the man upstairs, has no interest in Gillian. In fact he is about to be married, and to of all people, Gillian’s arch nemesis from college. This she will not have.

Shep has expressed an interest in publishing the next book by author Sidney Redlitch (Jeffrey Rossman), who has already written a wildly successful book about witchcraft in Mexico. Could Gillian make an introduction? You bet! Poof there he is. She has also worked her magic on Shep, who is now completely smitten.

Ah, this is a lovely and most elegant romance, but the risk is high for both and the hijinks are compelling. They each have much to lose. Aunt Queenie, Nicky and even dear, fumbling Sidney all get in on the action.

Jenny Schuck and James Hipp are as perfect a stage couple as I have seen. Their chemistry is palpable.

Ms Schuck is sultry and sophisticated, with a pinch of sweetness. Mr Hipp is wonderful as the besotted beau caught in her web. He has found humor and passion in his character. They are a spirited (literally) pair.

Jody Bayer’s Aunt Queenie is a witch who is not as dotty as she seems. Her main interest is wreaking havoc with her witchy skills. Ms. Bayer finds just the right pitch for her very nosy character.

Matt Austin is a riot. His facial expressions are enough to bring the house down. He speaks a thousand words with one eye roll.

As the witchcraft wannabe expert, Jeffrey Rossman is an adorable Sidney Redlitch.

The special effects are excellently executed. Light and sound are flawlessly matched to movement on the stage, which is not an easy feat. The obvious glee the characters take in seeing the results of their craft is very amusing.

The costumes are simply stunning. Gillian and Shep are chic, refined, and quite fetching.

This is a lovely show, which has been excellently treated with this production. It flew by, and I almost did not want it to end. It is a perfect holiday distraction that soothes while it entertains. Catch the magic!

Performances continue weekends until January 9, with curtain on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8, and 2 pm matinees Sundays, December 13 and 20.

Performances include two 10-minute intermissions.

There are no performances the weekend of December 25-26.

Tickets for most shows are $23 for adults, and $18 for students and military members.

There will be a special New Year’s Eve benefit performance on Thursday, December 31. Tickets for that evening, which will include hors d’oeuvres and an open bar with wine, beer and soft drinks, are $85. The event will begin at 7 pm.

Call 860-350-6863 or visit theatreworks.us for reservations and additional information. The theater is at 5 Brookside Avenue in New Milford.