Fiona Robberson as Sibyl Chase, Britt Michael Gordon as Elyot Chase, Ashley lanchet as Amanda Prynne, and Clark Carmichael as Victor Prynne. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) opens its 2026 season with Private Lives by Noël Coward. The play is a comedy filled with many funny moments as two couples seek to enjoy loving relationships on their honeymoons. Complications occur as the story develops the characters through witty dialog, passionate moments, and physical comedy. STNJ is in top form with their presentation of this play.
The play premiered in 1930 when there were many events resulting in a negative hold on the world. Playwright Coward took his ability to write plays that included laughter as a necessary skill. To explain why he valued the humor of his work, he once said, “Grab it while you can. Grab every last scrap of happiness while you can.” According to the show’s director Michael Stewart Allen, “The characters in the play are doing just that.” There is no doubt that they are seeking that happiness. How it occurs is worth considering. Director Allen addresses that concept:
"Private Lives is an outrageously funny play but, while the audience is laughing, the play invites them to feel as well. It is like some beautiful confection that looks delicious but when you take a bite you truly realize the complexity of all the flavors in the dish."
Private Lives is a fine choice with which to open the new season. Not only does this play provide laughs, but it is also beautifully staged and carried out by a superb cast. Additionally, it does bring with it a complexity of life. Some of the action in the play will cause moments of pause to do reflection.
The Story Begins with a Wild Coincidence
Four characters make up the cast with one additional player (Louise – Nicole Lawrie) brought in towards the final part.
Sibyl Chase (Fiona Robberson) is honeymooning with Elyot Chase (Britt Michael Gordon). Sibyl is very happy to be married. However, she is curious about her new husband’s former wife, Amanda. Although Elyot has been divorced for five years, the air of concern of lingering feelings for Amanda is on Sibyl’s mind. Yet, they appear to be a couple well suited for each other particularly since Elyot does not give any reason for the concerns Sibyl has.
Amanda Prynne (Ashley Blanchet) is also on a honeymoon following her recent marriage to Victor Prynne (Clark Carmichael). Amanda is called Mandy by Victor which is a good idea to block out memories of a previous love affair.
So what are the chances that two couples .might end up at the same French hotel on their honeymoon? Probably it happens quite often. But what rarely happens is that the two couples each have one person who has been married to the other’s partner. And to add to that humor, they have rooms next to each other where they are sharing places on the terrace.
Britt Michael Gordon as Elyot Chase and Ashley Blanchet as Amanda Prynne. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
As Amanda and Elyot discover what has happened, both of them retreat to their respective new spouses asking them to leave the hotel immediately with them. Sibyl and Victor see no need for this. Each leaves to go to dine alone. This allows Amanda and Elyot to acknowledge the love they still have for each other. They depart the hotel together.
You will note in your program that there is a 5 minute pause as this is the close of Act I. A scenery change takes place. Be sure to watch this as it is handled in a most humorous manner.
Can Love be Rekindled?
A few days pass and Amanda and Elyot have fallen into the routines that led to their divorce. They love each other passionately but they cannot live with each other. This is where Blanchet’s depiction of Amanda really shines. She looks like a lovely, soft, feminine woman. But don’t get her mad because if you do, you might get a record smashed over your head like Elyot experiences. There are a lot of scenes like pillow fights and other more aggressive behavior seen at this point in the play. How do we feel about hitting a woman? How do we feel about a woman hitting or breaking a record over a man’s head? Is this passion when a couple can’t live without each other but cannot live with each other?
Both couples seek to answer these questions. No spoilers here – you need to find out for yourself. The final part of the play may surprise you, but maybe not.
Let’s just suffice it to say that you will have an enjoyable time seeing this show which has some delightful moments in it.
Additional Information about the Show
Private Lives runs May 16 through June 7 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre on the campus of Drew University.
For tickets, patrons can call the Box Office at (973) 408-5600 or visit ShakespeareNJ.org.
Prices range from $45 to $85. The Theatre offers a variety of other cost-saving opportunities, including $25 student tickets with a valid student ID and a limited number of Pay What You Will tickets for every performance on a first-come, first-serve basis.
STNJ also has a $35 under 35 ticket option, which offers $35 tickets for patrons aged 35 and under, with valid ID.
Other discounts are available including subscription discounts; and 10% discounts for members of Seniors, PBS/Thirteen, Active Military, Madison Loyalty Club card holders, and AAA members. STNJ also honors the Family First Discovery Pass for families receiving benefits through SNAP, WIC, or Work First New Jersey.
Special Events for Private Lives
Symposium Series #1: Tuesday, May 26th following performance – A lively post-show chat with the cast and artistic team.
Know-the-Show Series & Closed Captioning: Thursday, May 28th starting at 6:45 p.m. – A pre-show talk with the artistic team about the playwright and work Closed Captioning provided at this performance by Globetitles.
Hobnob & Hang: Friday, May 29th following the performance – A chance to mix and mingle with fellow theatre lovers after the show; bites and cash bar available.
Symposium Series #2: Saturday, May 20th following matinee performance – A lively post-show chat with the cast and artistic team.
Sensory Seminar & Audio Described Performance: Wednesday, June 3rd starting at 1:15 p.m. A pre-show experience for Blind/low-vision patrons. Audio Description provided at this performance.
Patisserie on the Patio: Friday, June 5th starting at 6:30 p.m. A pre-show gathering open to patrons; bites and cash bar available.
Backstage Tour: Saturday, June 6th starting at 11:30 a.m. A peek behind-the-scenes of the production at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre.
Symposium Series #3: Saturday, June 6th following matinee performance – A lively post-show chat with the cast and artistic team
