Charm and Wit Sparkle in ‘Private Lives’ at Madison’s Shakespeare Theatre

The stylish and playful production of Noël Coward's Private Lives is fast-moving and delightful, proving the staying power of this edgy 1930s romp. When divorced couple Amanda Prynne and Elyot Chase find themselves honeymooning at the same French Rivera hotel with their new mates, the initial awkwardness soon turns into a rekindled attraction. From there, their combustible chemistry fuels the ensuing antics. At the heart of the production is Ashley Blanchet, an elegant and convincing Amanda, paired with dapper Britt Michael Gordon as Elyot. The two capture the intoxicating push-and pull that makes Coward's central couple so simultaneously captivating and infuriating. [caption id="attachment_851051" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo: Courtesy of Shakespeare Theatre/Avery Brunkus[/caption] As the story unfolds, Clark Carmichael embodies Victor, Amanda's underrated second husband, while Fiona Robberson plays comically weepy Sibyl, the younger new wife of Elyot. Nicole Lawrie plays the part of Louise, the unlucky housekeeper and flappable witness to the shenanigans. These complicated relationships are expressed with laughable physical action and snappy dialogue, while still delving into the emotional contradictions of love. [caption id="attachment_851047" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo: Courtesy of Shakespeare Theatre/Avery Brunkus[/caption] The elegant costuming and sophisticated set design place the production squarely in a period defined by social class, glamour and lavish lifestyles. More than 90 years after its debut, Private Lives remains a refreshing production that still captivates audiences. Private Lives is showing daily at Madison's Shakespeare Theatre through Sunday, June 7. The post Charm and Wit Sparkle in ‘Private Lives’ at Madison’s Shakespeare Theatre appeared first on New Jersey Monthly .