Review: LIFE IS FOR THE LIVING at 59E59 is Engaging

Life is for Living: Conversations with Coward is now onstage at 59E59 Theaters through January 1st. This very engaging show is co-created and performed by Simon Green and David Shrubsole with research by Jason Morrell. The performance is an inspired tribute to the life and times of Sir Noel Coward. While Coward was well known for his plays like "Private Lives" and "Blythe Spirit," his talents were hardly limited to writing. He was also a talented actor, director, composer, and singer.

Bravo to Simon Green for his dazzling performance as Sir Noel Coward. His vocal talents are complimented by David Shrubsole's outstanding piano accompaniment. In the 70- minute show there are memorable songs written by Coward along with ones by other prominent composers. There are clever pieces like "Place Settings" with music and lyrics by Jeremy Nicolas, romantic songs like "Always" with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and charming, comedic numbers like "I Went to a Marvelous Party" with music and lyrics by Noel Coward. The show will give you a true sense of Coward's personality and his brilliance. Metro area audiences will appreciate this insightful, entertaining show.

Produced by Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, Life is for Living: Conversations with Coward will be performed at at 59E59 Theaters through Sunday, January 1. The theater is located at 59 East 59th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $25 ($17.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

Photo by Heidi Bohnenkamp,