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Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: The Comedy of Errors

2013/14 Season

Recently On Our Stages

Production History

by Noël Coward
directed by Gary Griffin

in Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater
January 6 – March 7, 2010

“Private Lives sparkles on Shakespeare stage... Director Griffin, great cast make for near-perfection.” –Chicago Sun-Times

“A smart, sophisticated, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable production... perfectly splendid.” –Chicago Tribune

Following his celebrated production of Amadeus last season, CST's own Gary Griffin directs No�l Coward�s stylish, savvy comedy about the people we can't live with—or without. Divorcés Amanda and Elyot meet up again quite by accident—on their second honeymoons, with brand-new spouses in tow. Fireworks fly as their reunion reveals just how quickly romance—and rivalry—can be rekindled.

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (includes intermissions)

Private Lives is presented in the Jentes Family Auditorium.

Private Lives is supported, in part, by Gayle and Glenn R. Tilles.

Production design services for Private Lives have been underwritten by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.

Elyot and Amanda call it quits after three tumultuous years of marriage. Five years later, they are trapped on adjoining terraces, honeymooning in the same French hotel—with their new partners in hand. Commiseration turns into reminiscence. Bathed in moonlight and distant music, their passion reignites and, heedless of the consequences, they decide that they belong together—though destined to relive what drove them apart the first time.

– Contributed by the CST Education Department

Dramatis Personae

	A Scholar's Perspective by Frances E. Dolan Frances E. Dolan considers conflicting desires for passion, equality and domestic tranquility in marriage.
	Open Door: Audience Enrichment Programs CST offers pre- or post-show programs with members of the cast or scholars: Pre•Ambles and Talk Backs.
	Recorded Pre�Ambles Half-hour pre-show lectures are offered on selected weekend dates. Listen to a scholar give an overview of important scholarship and discuss some of the production choices.
	Recorded Excerpts from Talk Back Discussions Post-show discussions with the cast are held after Wednesday and student matinees. Recordings are updated throughout the run of the production.
	Private Lives in Historical Context Coward wrote during a time of theatrical evolution, from melodrama to realism.
	Britain and the Great Depression Britain's interwar time of economic struggle and unemployment had lasting changes for culture, government and art.
	The No�l Coward Society A membership society founded to celebrate the life and work of No�l Coward, the No�l Coward Society website makes available the most comprehensive collection, including the No�l Coward Music Index (NCMI), a complete catalogue of Coward�s music and lyrics, and numerous video clips including home movies.
	No�l Coward in His Own Words As No�l Coward approached his 70th birthday in December of 1969, he gave a number of interviews with overviews of the celebrations and retrospectives on his career with Time magazine and BBC Radio.
	The Secret Life of No�l Coward No�l Coward�s reputation as a playboy and bon vivant covered myriad activities, including his work during World War II as a spy, divulged with the 2007 publication of The Letters of No�l Coward, edited by Barry Day.

The Cast
See who�s who among the actors.

The Creative Team
See who’s who on the creative team—the director, designers and other artists who contribute to the creation of the world of the play.

	Watch Video Trailer Get a sneak peek of the action on stage.
	Language: Shakespeare vs. Coward Actors Robert Sella and Tracy Michelle Arnold discuss the similarities between the sharp, witty language of No�l Coward and that of Shakespeare.
	*Director Gary Griffin on Staging Private Lives* in the round** At first rehearsal, Gary shared his thoughts on how this unique staging gives audiences an intimate experience with Coward.
	Costume Designer Paul Tazewell on designing for Private Lives Broadway veteran Tazewell shares his renderings and discusses his inspiration.
	View Photo Gallery See a preview of this stylish, savvy comedy.
	The Rehearsal Process Assistant Director Eleanor Hyde periodically posts about bringing Gary Griffin's Private Lives to life on CST's stage.
	A Conversation with Director Gary Griffin Members of the Education staff met with Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin to discuss his thoughts about Private Lives.

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