Following his celebrated production of Amadeus last season, CST's own Gary Griffin directs Noël 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.
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.
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.
Britain and the Great Depression Britain's interwar time of economic struggle and unemployment had lasting changes for culture, government and art.
The Noël Coward Society
A membership society founded to celebrate the life and work of Noël Coward, the Noël Coward Society website makes available the most comprehensive collection, including the Noël Coward Music Index (NCMI), a complete catalogue of Coward’s music and lyrics, and numerous video clips including home movies.
Noël Coward in His Own Words
As Noël 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 Noël Coward
Noël 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 Noël Coward, edited by Barry Day.
Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence
A segment of Private Lives recorded for radio with Noël Coward and Gertrude Lawrence, who originated the roles of Elyot and Amanda.
“Mad Dogs and Englishmen”
About his own singing, Coward once said, "I can't sing, but I know how to, which is quite different." In this kinescope from his 1955 CBS special, Coward sings his signature tune.
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.
Language: Shakespeare vs. Coward
Actors Robert Sella and Tracy Michelle Arnold discuss the similarities between the sharp, witty language of Noël Coward and that of Shakespeare.
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.
