PRIVATE LIVES Will Open The Shakespeare Theatre Of New Jersey 2026 Season

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey will launch its 2026 season with PRIVATE LIVES by Noël Coward. The production will run May 16 through June 7 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.

Set in the 1930s, the play follows divorced couple Elyot and Amanda, who unexpectedly find themselves honeymooning with new spouses in adjacent hotel rooms. Their renewed connection leads to a rekindling of their relationship, complicating their lives and those of their partners.

Director Michael Stewart Allen said, “Private Lives is an outrageously funny play but, while the audience is laughing, the play invites them to feel as well.”

CAST

The production will star Ashley Blanchet as Amanda Prynne and Britt Michael Gordon as Elyot Chase, with Clark Carmichael as Victor Prynne, Fiona Robberson as Sibyl Chase, and Nicole Lawrie as Louise.

CREATIVE TEAM

The creative team will include director Michael Stewart Allen, set designer Richard Block, Costume Designer Hunter Kaczorowski, sound designer Steven Beckel, and fight director Rod Kinter. Jackie Mariani and Miranda Sage Rhode will serve as stage managers.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances will run May 16 through June 7, with evening performances Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be held Saturdays, Sundays, and select Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The production will include a range of associated events, including a Pay What You Can Food Drive on May 16, opening night on May 22, multiple post-show symposium discussions, a pre-show talk with closed captioning on May 28, and accessibility programming including an audio-described performance on June 3. Additional offerings include a backstage tour on June 6 and other audience engagement events throughout the run.

TICKETS