Theater Review - Private Lives

Private Lives

Written by Noël Coward

Directed by Warner Shook

Where: Studio Theater at the Roselle Center for the Arts

(University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware)

I haven't been a huge head-over-heels fan of Noël Coward in the past.  In fact, the University of Delaware's Resident Ensemble Players (REP)/Professional Theater Training Program (PTTP)'s previous foray into Coward - Hay Fever - didn't win me over (not for the company's lack of trying, however).  Because of that, I was less than psyched to see another Coward production.

Let's just say that Coward redeemed himself in my eyes with this one.  Private Lives is a delightful comedy that allows four actors to shine and elevate Coward's rather frivolous play into a wonderful evening of theater.

Calling the play "frivolous" isn't meant to be an insult.  The fact of the matter is that Private Lives really isn't about a whole lot.  I'm sure someone can find deep meanings in it (as one could in anything), but it's really just a tale of two married couples -- Elyot & Sibyl Chase and Victor & Amanda Prynne -- who happen to vacationing in adjacent rooms at the same hotel in France for their honeymoons.  In and of itself, not all that funny.  The hilarity comes from the fact that Elyot and Amanda have been previously married to one another and it's entirely possible that their rocky relationship may not be finished yet, much to the chagrin of their respective spouses.

What elevates this presentation of Private Lives is the quartet of actors that inhabit four distinct characters  each with their own quirks and idiosyncricies.  REP performers Michael Gotch and Carine Montbertrand have each remarkably headlined their own shows in the past (I Am My Own Wife and The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, respctively) and putting these two talented performers together doesn't disappoint.  As the divorced couple who perhaps get turned on by their dysfunctional past history, Gotch and Montbertrand (as always) are a pleasure to watch, excelling at both physical comedy and verbal barbs.

However, it's not just the REP performers that make the most of the material.  The PTTP's Meaghan Sullivan and Andy Nagraj prove that there's a reason they made it into the University of Delaware's well-respected theater program.  These two could have easily been left in the dust by the talent of Gotch and Montbertrand, but there are moments where they steal the show.  While their characters Sibyl and Victor are perhaps less-developed than Elyot and Amanda, it doesn't stop Sullivan and Nagraj from making the most of their roles.  The final scene which places their characters front and center was wonderful, hilarious, and a great way to end the evening.

Once again, I'll sound like a broken record, but the technical aspect of this REP production is top of the line.  Wonderful sets, lovely costumes, and a pleasant soundtrack elevate the play to another level.  Kudos also to the stage crew who take center stage during the two intermissions having to both change the sets and clean up after the chaos that ensues.

Although I may be wrong, the REP's website says the play is unfortunately sold out for the remainder of its run.  But you never know...a call to the box office may yield something for you.  If it's possible, I highly recommend checking out this production.