Photos: Ashley Blanchet, Britt Michael Gordon and More in PRIVATE LIVES At The Shakespeare Theatre

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is launching its 2026 season with the wit, glamour, and combustible romance of Private Lives by Noël Coward. This beloved comedy classic runs May 22 through June 7 at the F. M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University. See photos here!

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 as Amanda Prynne and Britt Michael Gordon as Elyot Chase. They are joined by Clark Carmichael 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; scenic designer Dick Block; costume designer Hunter Kaczorowski; lighting designer Kevin Gartley; sound designer Steven Beckel; and fight director Rod Kinter. Jackie Mariani and Miranda Sage Rhode stage manage.