Cast Set for PRIVATE LIVES at Shakespeare Theatre of NJ

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is launching its 2026 season with Private Lives by Noël Coward. This beloved comedy classic runs May 16 through June 7 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.

Set against the stylish backdrop of the 1930s, Private Lives follows divorced couple Elyot and Amanda, who - by the most inconvenient of coincidences - find themselves honeymooning with their new spouses in adjacent hotel rooms. Old passions reignite, tempers flare, and what begins as chance proximity quickly spirals into a deliciously chaotic reunion. As Elyot and Amanda are drawn back into each other's orbit, their rekindled romance threatens to upend their carefully rebuilt lives, leaving their bewildered new partners scrambling to salvage their honeymoons.

The production features an accomplished cast led by Ashley Blanchet (Broadway: Waitress, Frozen, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) as Amanda Prynne and Britt Michael Gordon as Elyot Chase. They are joined by Clark Carmichael (Broadway: Jumpers) as Victor Prynne, Fiona Robberson (Broadway: John Proctor is the Villain; Hedda Gabler at The Old Globe) as Sibyl Chase, and Nicole Lawrie as Louise.

The production team includes director Michael Stewart Allen; set designer Richard Block; Costume Designer Hunter Kaczorowski; sound designer Steven Beckel; lighting designer Kevin Gartley; and fight director Rod Kinter. Jackie Mariani and Miranda Sage Rhode stage manage.

Single tickets for Private Lives begin at $45 for preview performances and begin at $65 for regular performances. Prices range from $45 to $85. The Theatre offers a variety of other cost-saving opportunities, including $25 student tickets with a valid student ID and a limited number of Pay What You Will tickets for every performance on a first-come, first-serve basis. STNJ also has a $35 under 35 ticket option, which offers $35 tickets for patrons aged 35 and under, with valid ID. Other discounts are available including subscription discounts; and 10% discounts for members of Seniors, PBS/Thirteen, Active Military, Madison Loyalty Club card holders, and AAA members. STNJ also honors the Family First Discovery Pass for families receiving benefits through SNAP, WIC, or Work First New Jersey. For tickets, patrons can call the Box Office at (973) 408-5600.

Check out these special events connected with the production:

Pay What You CAN Food Drive: Saturday, May 16th starting at 6:30 p.m.

Donate two canned goods and pay $10 admission at Box Office
Must pay in cash. Tickets are available starting at 6:30 p.m. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night: Friday, May 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

A celebratory evening, including complimentary champagne at intermission and a post-show reception

Symposium Series #1: Tuesday, May 26th following performance

Know-the-Show Series & Closed Captioning: Thursday, May 28th starting at 6:45 p.m.

A pre-show talk with the artistic team about the playwright and work
Closed Captioning provided at this performance by Globetitles.

Hobnob & Hang: Friday, May 29th following the performance

A chance to mix and mingle with fellow theatre lovers after the show; bites and cash bar available

Symposium Series #2: Saturday, May 20th following matinee performance

Sensory Seminar & Audio Described Performance: Wednesday, June 3rd starting at 1:15 p.m.

A pre-show experience for Blind/low-vision patrons
Audio Description provided at this performance
Patisserie on the Patio: Friday, June 5th starting at 6:30 p.m.
A pre-show gathering open to patrons; bites and cash bar available

Symposium Series #3: Saturday, June 6th following matinee performance

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