Review: Noel Coward’s PRIVATE LIVES at STNJ-A Comedic Delight

“Here we are starting afresh with two very different people.” by Amanda in Private Lives

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) kicks off their 64th Season with a real crowd pleaser.  The hilarious Noel Coward play Private Lives is now on the Madison stage through June 7th with matinee and evening performances available. This gem of a production enjoys the excellent direction of Michael Stewart Allen and features a cast that captures the quirks of their distinctive characters.  STNJ’s theme for this season is “Method and Madness,” and Private Lives is ideal to usher in the exciting season ahead.

This witty play is set in the 1930’s when the divorced couple, Amanda and Elyot are honeymooning with their new spouses in the very same hotel.  When they meet by chance on adjacent terraces, Amanda and Elyot’s desire for each other flares once again. Amanda forsakes her husband, Victor, and Elyot abandons his young wife, Sibyl. But can their love last this time? And what will become of their new spouses? When Amanda and Elyot flee the hotel and retreat to a lavish abode, their passion for each other remains intense, but conflicts also surface. Uncertainty takes center stage with plenty of commotion that keeps the show lively and fun.

The cast of Private Lives portrays their roles with just the right tenor.  The troupe skillfully executes the play’s quick, quippy dialogue and physical humor. The company is led by Ashley Blanchet as Amanda Prynne and Britt Michael Gordon as Elyot Chase. They are joined by Clark Carmichael as Victor Prynne and Fiona Robberson as Sibyl Chase.  Nicole Lawrie plays the part of the maid, Louise. 

Some of the outstanding scenes include Sibyl questioning Elyot about his marriage to Amanda; Victor probing Amanda concerning her marriage to Elyot; Amanda and Elyot’s first awkward encounter on the hotel terraces; Sibyl’s tearful discovery that Elyot is gone; Elyot and Amanda’s romantic moments at the apartment; Elyot playing piano and singing Someday I’ll Find You; Elyot drinking too much brandy; Amanda losing her temper with Elyot and hitting him with pillows; Victor appearing at the apartment challenging Elyot to a fist fight; Louise coming home to the mess caused by Elyot and Amanda; and the foursome tensely having coffee together.

The production team has done a top job of bringing authentic 1930’s glamour to the Madison stage. The scene change from the hotel to the residence is very cleverly accomplished. The team includes scenic design by Dick Block; costume design by Hunter Kaczorowski; lighting design by Kevin Gartley; sound design by Steven Beckel.  The fight director is Rod Kinter; Jackie Mariani and Miranda Sage Rhode are the stage managers.

Our readers would like to know that Noel Coward starred in the original 1930 production of Private Lives as Elyot. The premiere took place at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh in August of 1930. Coward also wrote one of his most popular songs, Someday I'll Find You for the play.

Now is a great time to visit the highly acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Private Lives promises to enthrall and entertain!  We wish Artistic Director Brian B. Crowe and his team all the best for the alluring season ahead! And while you are at the theatre, be sure to visit the hall gallery where “Bright and Deep” by Lital Gold is an exhibition of art inspired by the glamour of Private Lives.  

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is located at 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940 (on the campus of Drew University). Tickets for Private Lives and all the shows and events this season are now on sale. Visit  Shakespeare NJ or call the Box Office at 973.408.5600.

Photo credit: Avery Brunkus

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