An explosive divorced couple, honeymooning with their new spouses, find they have adjacent rooms in the same hotel and that they still have feelings for each other.
If this were the stuff of situation comedies, you would expect the next sentence to have mayhem ensues in it, like an episode of “I Love Lucy.”
However, in his 1930 play “Private Lives”, Noel Coward’s genius transforms it into a poignant, witty, and very funny satire about social conventions that restrict us but also civilize us. The Glen Arbor Players presents this comedy of manners in three acts on Sept. 12-14 at the Glen Lake Community Church.
“Private Lives” is the first classic play Teddy House has directed with the Glen Arbor Players, and she said, “I am perfectly delighted it was to begin with ‘Private Lives.’
It is as relevant today as it was in the 1930s with themes of marriage, love and divorce. The dialogue is full of double entendres, dagger sharp one-liners, and sophisticated British humor.
Since 1930, “Private Lives” has been performed countless times onstage, made into movies, and adapted for radio and television. The second act love scene was nearly censored in England as too risqué. Walter Winchell described the play’s Broadway opening as “something to go quite silly over.”
The GAP cast joins a long, illustrious line of actors playing these roles since Private Lives opened in London in 1930, including Noel Coward himself as Elyot. Of course, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton played Amanda and Elyot in 1983. Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, Tallulah Bankhead, Lawrence Olivier, and Elaine Stritch are a few others.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful, wonderful cast,” director House said. Howard Kranick and Janet Stipicevich play Elyot and Amanda, the divorced couple. They are both talented, experienced actors whose own qualities, either by luck or good casting decisions, fit their characters. Harold’s playfulness and humor are just what Elyot should have, while Janet’s professional polish matches Amanda’s sophistication and independence. As Victor, Amanda’s cuckolded new husband, Brian Iler’s restrained style mirrors long-suffering Victor’s patience and befuddlement. Celeste Anderson brings youth and talent to her role of Sibyl, Elyot’s naive, dewy-eyed bride. The French maid Louise is played by Karen Ford, who speaks French brilliantly!
An exuberant director House says, “This is going to be so good! I’m really excited. The lines are great, the circumstances are comic, and ending is hilarious!” The GAP troupe urges everyone to see Private Lives and take Mr. Winchell’s advice to go “quite silly” over it.
Performances are Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 12-14, 7:30 p.m. at the Glen Lake Community Church, 4902 W. MacFarlane Rd., Glen Arbor 49636. Refreshments will be served. While admission is free, a $10 minimum donation is encouraged. Enhanced Physical Therapy on M-22 in Glen Arbor sponsored this play.
